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  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
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  • What Is Hyperfixation?What Is Hyperfixation?
  • ExamplesExamples
  • How to Identify ItHow to Identify It
  • Is ADHD Hyperfixation Helpful?Is ADHD Hyperfixation Helpful?
  • When Can It Be a Problem?When Can It Be a Problem?
  • Tips for ManagementTips for Management
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics

ADHD Hyperfixation: Definition, Examples, & Management

Headshot of Matthew Edelstein, PsyD

Written by: Matthew Edelstein, PsyD, BCBA-D

Headshot of Naveed Saleh MD, MS

Reviewed by: Naveed Saleh, MD, MS

Published: October 6, 2022
Headshot of Matthew Edelstein, Psy.D, BCBA-D
Written by:

Matthew Edelstein

Psy.D, BCBA-D
Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS

Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often experience a number of issues related to their attentiveness. On the other hand, one common but lesser known symptom of ADHD refers to one’s tendency to focus almost too rigidly on certain highly preferred tasks and activities—a characteristic popularly referred to as hyperfixation.

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If you’re short on time, this video by Kristen Souza, LMHC does a good job of summarizing ADHD hyperfixation:

What Is Hyperfixation/Hyperfocus?

Despite the lack of consensus on how best to define hyperfixation, it is commonly understood to represent a total engagement with an item or activity.1 This level of engagement can manifest as periods of relative isolation where a person does little but interact with their activity of interest; or, it can also be reflected as a type of preoccupation that dominates topics of conversation with others. Moreover, while the term “hyperfixation” has not been clearly defined clinically, it is often used interchangeably with the term “hyperfocus.”

Is Hyperfixation a Symptom of ADHD?

Of the many different clinical populations likely to engage in hyperfocus (e.g., individuals with autism spectrum disorder or anxious people in the presence of something highly aversive), it is perhaps most commonly attributed to those with ADHD. In fact, individuals with ADHD experience hyperfocus more often than neurotypical peers across a variety of different contexts (e.g. home, school, or work).2

Compared to a hypnotic state by others, individuals with ADHD tend to focus their attention very narrowly on a given task or activity, often to the exclusion of environmental factors. This quality can be quite frustrating for caregivers or loved ones, as a person experiencing hyperfixation may be viewed as selfish or uninterested in important activities of daily life. Thus, while engagement with preferred tasks might otherwise be considered a leisure activity, hyperfocus in ADHD can lead to significant functional impairment.

Special Interest vs. Hyperfixation

Hyperfocus or hyperfixation can occur for a variety of different reasons, and does not always reflect a clinical problem. Often considered an interaction with something enjoyable, hyperfocus can reflect a child or adult’s specialized interest. Common examples of hyperfixation include activities like video games, tinkering with a craft project, or watching TV.3 Periods of high motivation can capture the interest of some people for long periods of time, sometimes longer than they might otherwise have intended. It should also be noted that some research suggests periods of hyperfixation are also attributed to increased task performance.3

ADHD Hyperfixation Examples

The specific type or topic that causes ADHD hyperfocus really depends on their interests. That is, children with ADHD or adults with ADHD are most prone to fixate on hobbies or activities that bring them joy. For instance, an individual hyperfixating on playing an instrument may spend hours learning new chords or teaching themselves songs. Other examples often include engagement with video games, as certain types of games promote extended play for hours on end with little opportunity for breaks. Truly any activity can be the object of fixation, provided it can be engaged with for long periods of time.

How to Identify Hyperfixation

Hyperfixation is best differentiated from simple engagement by its impact on other important tasks or routines. For instance, a student committed to “cramming” for an exam could look a lot like hyperfocus, as the student is spending several hours focused on a single task. However, they may take breaks for meals, to rest their eyes, and to use the bathroom. This behavior is quite different from the individual with ADHD that may be hyperfixated on a video game. While the total number of hours engaged in the activity may be the same between the student and the gamer, the latter is likely skipping meals, missing phone calls, and forgetting to walk the dog.

Is ADHD Hyperfixation Helpful?

Research suggests that individuals who hyperfixate are likely to have better task performance than others under normal circumstances.3 One possible explanation for this improvement could simply be due to the total amount of time spent on a given task. In other words, forward progress on an activity (like learning a new skill) is likely directly related to how much total time is spent engaging in it. Individuals who are hyperfocused on learning that new skill are less likely to take breaks or become distracted—increasing their productivity significantly. There is also a high likelihood that the hyperfixated individual may experience feelings of accomplishment or success that come from such productivity.

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When Can Hyperfixation Be a Problem?

Focusing on a single task to the exclusion of others can lead to problems. One category of difficulty that can arise from hyperfixation involves an inability to meet one’s own needs. Specifically, hyperfixation can leave an individual engaged for multiple hours, resulting in the neglect of important activities of daily living. This can include movement, healthy eating, and a sufficient night’s sleep.

A second category of difficulty involves the inability to meet the needs of others. As ADHD can often affect individuals into adulthood, hyperfixation can impact work and familial responsibilities. Some examples may include meeting important timelines, picking children up from school, or returning calls from loved ones.

How to Manage Hyperfixation

For individuals who are prone to hyperfixate, there are ways to minimize the negative impact episodes have on other responsibilities. It would be unfair to expect these individuals to never allow themselves to be lost in a project, as hyperfixation typically involves engagement with very preferred activities. These can produce feelings of personal satisfaction, as well as extreme productivity.

Here are some tips for managing hyperfixation:

  • Set alarms: To better manage hyperfixation, the use of environmental supports such as timers or alarms can be useful to create “windows of hyperfixation.” These windows will allow for extended periods of engagement that are planned, to avoid interference with other expectations.
  • Seek support: Individuals with ADHD can also benefit from social support, as they often have limited insight into their own patterns of hyperfocus.
  • Educate loved ones: Friends or loved ones who know someone with a tendency to hyperfixate may need to work hard to understand that the behavior is a product of a medical condition, rather than a reflection of how much they care.
  • Seek professional help: Sometimes, getting the insight of a therapist or mental health professional can be helpful. They can help you better understand how to manage episodes of hyperfixation. CBT for ADHD has been proven an effective method of managing ADHD symptoms, including hyperfixation.

Final Thoughts

Despite being a common behavior amongst individuals with ADHD, relatively little is known about hyperfixation. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of the brain involved in the process, and how to intervene effectively while still allowing these individuals to be themselves. Seeing as hyperfixation is a pattern that can be managed, there are ways to build skills and identify supports to minimize its impact. In addition, there are a number of different support groups for children, teens, and adults with ADHD who are experiencing frustration regarding their symptoms.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

ADHD Management Tools

Inflow App Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

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For Further Reading

  • Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
  • American Psychological Association
  • ADHD Diet & Nutrition: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid, & Other Tips

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ADHD Hyperfixation Infographics

What Is Hyperfixation or Hyperfocus   When Can Hyperfixation Be a Problem   How to Manage Hyperfixation

Sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Ashinoff, B.K. & Abu-Akel, A. (2021). Hyperfocus: the forgotten frontier of attention. Psychological Research, 85, 1-19.

  • Hupfeld, K.E., Abagis, T. R., Shah, P. (2019). Living in the zone: hyperfocus in adult ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, 11, 191-208.

  • Nakamura, J. & Csikczentmihalyi, M. (2009). Flow theory and research. In Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology (2nd ed., pp.195-206). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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  • What Is Hyperfixation?What Is Hyperfixation?
  • ExamplesExamples
  • How to Identify ItHow to Identify It
  • Is ADHD Hyperfixation Helpful?Is ADHD Hyperfixation Helpful?
  • When Can It Be a Problem?When Can It Be a Problem?
  • Tips for ManagementTips for Management
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics
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