Is Hyperfixation a Symptom of ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) changes how people align their attention and navigate their behavior.
Hyperfixation is something that many ADHD patients experience. But is hyperfixation a symptom of ADHD? Let’s clarify the issue in simple words.
Are you struggling with ADHD or behavioral problems? At ARK Medical in Las Vegas, we create custom treatment plans that include therapy and medication management. This plan helps you deal with hyperfixation and attention-related challenges.
Book an appointment today and take the first step toward a better life.

What Is Hyperfixation?

Hyperfixation is the process of deep involvement in a certain subject, hobby, or activity for several hours or even days. This strong focus can cause:

• Housework (for example, school, work, or personal care) is not being done
• Ignoring the signs of hunger, fatigue, or other physical necessities
• Experiencing a burning sensation to do something
• Emotional suffering, like being interrupted or withdrawing

Hyperfixation might be linked to the flow state, but while the latter is achieved and on purpose, hyperfixation usually disrupts the process.

What Causes Hyperfixation?

According to the researchers, dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is accountable for both joy and a person’s aspiring nature, is also the main factor of hyperfixation.
People with ADHD often have lower dopamine levels. So, they may chase activities that give quick rewards and then focus intensely on them.
Additional factors include:

• An emotional attachment to a subject or hobby
• Excitement and enjoyment derived from an activity
• Avoidance of boredom or stress
• Difficulty when it comes to redirecting attention

Is Hyperfixation a Symptom of ADHD?

ADHD is not a diagnosed symptom of the DSM-5. However, it should be considered as a normal condition of persons who suffer from ADHD. The disorder is mainly characterized by the following:  

• Inattention (difficulty in keeping focus on tasks that are of not their preference)
• Hyperactivity-Impulsivity (acting without thinking, restlessness, excessive talking)

Whereas hyperfixation is not included as a criterion for diagnosis, it fits within the ADHD brain’s drive for stimulation and dopamine-replete activities. Hence, numerous persons with ADHD end up being drawn to some hobby or interest of theirs with sheer intensity and interest.

What Is Hyperfixation a sign of?

While hyperfixation symptoms are common in ADHD, they can also be linked to other conditions such as:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): People with autism often develop deep interests in specific topics.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive thoughts and behaviors can resemble hyperfixation.
• Depression and Anxiety: People with anxiety or depression may use hyperfixation to cope with distress.

Why Do ADHD People Hyperfixate?

For many people with ADHD, hyperfixation is a direct result of a problem in the brain.
It happens when the wrong level of dopamine is present in the ADHD brain, and that is why the child cannot focus on the work that he needs to do.
Instead, when a person is greatly interested and their brain experiences a “rush” from the reward of dopamine, the person remains focused.

Hyperfixation vs. Hyperfocus

You may be familiar with the word “hyperfocus” being used interchangeably with hyperfixation. They are both talking about heavy concentration, but there is a small contrast.
Hyperfocus is often the state of a person completely involved in a productive activity, e.g. writing or painting.
Hyperfixation, sometimes causes a person to ignore some other important activities like doing chores or interacting with people.
Recognizing this discrepancy will give a clear answer to the query, “Is hyperfixation a symptom of ADHD?”

How Long Does Hyperfixation Last?

Each person’s time of hyperfixation is different; one can have a few hours of this state while the other one can live like this even for a week.
The factors that affect the duration of hyperfixation are as follows.

• Level of Interest in the Activity: The more captivating the activity, the more time will be spent on it.
• External Interruptions: A sudden obligation or distraction can break the cycle.
• Emotional State: Stressed, excited, or worried people might be impacted by longer quality issues virtually.

Hobbies for ADHD and Hyperfixation

The right activities can help people with ADHD and hyperfixation manage their symptoms in a healthy way. Some great hobbies for ADHD include:

• Playing music or a musical instrument
• Creating art through drawing, painting, or crafting
• Expressing yourself through writing or storytelling
• Engaging in sports and outdoor activities
• Playing video games in moderation

How to Stop Hyperfixating on Something?

If hyperfixation is affecting your daily life, here are some ways to manage it:

• Set Timers

Designate the precise times in a day, when the alarm should go off as a reminder of the need to pause or switch tasks.

• Build A Schedule

Structure your day, including a variety of activities, by doing something fun along with your responsibilities to have a balanced life.

• Stay Mindful with Awareness of Time

Be aware of time and how long you are sticking to an activity and when you realize that it is far ahead of you, you can stop for a while.

• Reach Out to Your Friends

You can talk to your friends, family members, or teachers, and you might seek help to prevent hyperfixation. They can advise you on some techniques to take breaks or change tasks.

Effective Therapies for Hyperfixation

Individuals who have ADHD and autism often face hyperfixation. The following are some therapies you can try to manage it:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of counseling concentrates on modifying the way clients think and handle their schedules.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This type of support helps build focus and self-control by increasing self-awareness.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is an excellent resource for regulating feelings and attaining preferred conduct standards. It helps an individual cope with stress.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): OT takes care of executive functions and sensory processing.
• Behavioral Therapy: Here, the counselor’s major priority is to define the period before the individual must shift attention and the ways that the individual can cope with it.
• Medication: In other cases, medication is given to help people concentrate more.
• Support Groups: These groups are founded on the idea of shared experiences and are quite helpful as well.

These strategies can guide people in addressing hyperfixation while staying healthy. It is necessary to go to a doctor to find the most effective treatment for your type of problem.

Final Thought

So, is hyperfixation a symptom of ADHD? It is not included in the official diagnostic criteria, but many people realize that they do tend to hyperfixate when they have ADHD.
It encourages children to learn skills related to time management and increased responsibility.
As long as individuals with ADHD find the right ADHD hobbies, practice self-awareness, and use the right strategies, they can get focused and make it a strength.
If you or someone you know is dealing with hyperfocus and it is bothering you, consider getting help from a healthcare professional.

FAQs

Can hyperfixation become an addiction?
Yes, the situation may become more severe. In case hyperfixation turns into a behavioral disorder that changes your life over time, it might be mistaken as an addiction.

How can I tell if my hyperfixation is unhealthy?
A problem may occur when this behavior leads you to disregard personal hygiene, dating, work, or school is neglected. Measure the time spent and how the issue has an impact on health and well-being. This will determine if it is a problem or not.