Hyperfixation is associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it can be a symptom of other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Hyperfixation, also referred to as hyperfocus, is commonly connected with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, and depression.
ADHD hyperfixation isn't an official symptom of ADHD. In fact, it sounds contradictory to what ADHD is most widely known for – inattention and a lack of focus. However, ADHD isn't actually an attention-deficit disorder. It's more of an attention-abundance disorder.
Almost everyone has experienced moments of hyperfixation in their lives. Having said that, people with ADHD, ASD (Autism Spectrum) and schizophrenia are likely to experience hyperfixation more intensely and more frequently than neurotypical people [1].
People with OCD tend to have obsessive thoughts, which they try to prevent by engaging in repetitive rituals, or compulsions. In contrast, a person with ADHD typically presents with excessive hyperactivity and impulsivity and difficulty focusing on one task at a time.
OCD has been mistaken as ADHD by many doctors since both diagnoses share a number of the same symptoms—anxiety, distractibility, perfectionism, impulsive behaviors and impaired executive functioning.
Common examples of hyperfixation include activities like video games, tinkering with a craft project, or watching TV. 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's important to remember that general hyperfixation is not exclusive to neurodivergent people. Neurotypicals have also reported intense focus on things that capture their interest.
The roots of hyperfocus in ADHD relationships are complex, but the end result is often clear: While some partners may feel smothered, many get swept away by the over-the-top adoration. Then, when the obsessive love fades — or, more commonly, ends abruptly — the other partner feels abandoned and keenly bereft.
Although hyperfixation is not a diagnosable mental health condition, it can be a characteristic of several different disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The timeline for hyperfixation can also vary. Some people will hyperfixate on one thing for months at a time, while other hyperfixation episodes may last just a few days. You might also pick up an interest really quickly and then drop it just as suddenly after some time.
Compulsions are behaviors people with OCD feel a strong urge to do. They are also called rituals. To someone with OCD, rituals seem like the way to stop the thoughts, fix things, be safe, or make sure bad things won't happen. Rituals can be actions, or they can be things people say in their head.
Common obsessions are: A strong fixation with dirt or germs. Repeated doubts (for example, about having turned off the stove) A need to have things in a very specific order.
OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted thoughts, urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual. These obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.
ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “Neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions. Neuro-differences are recognised and appreciated as a social category similar to differences in ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or ability.
Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration where you lose track of time, you really enjoy what you're doing and you seem to be better at that than whatever it is you're doing.
Although most neurotypical people would likely report experiencing a hyperfocus-like state at some point in their life, it is most often mentioned in the context of autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder—conditions that have consequences on attentional abilities.
In any case, it's a coping mechanism. It may not be the most practical or convenient, but it works. My hyperfixation isn't a bad thing. It's just an aspect of my mental illnesses I have to accept.
ADHD can impact a person's sex life in many ways, including hypersexual tendencies. This could be due to symptoms of ADHD, lower dopamine levels, or medication side effects.
While all kinds of people can fall in love, the experience of people with ADHD falling in love can be more intense for them. This is because the person with ADHD can hyperfocus on the person they are in love with.
People struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are often misdiagnosed as having other psychological conditions. One of the most common misdiagnoses for this population is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This diagnostic problem arises for two reasons.
OCD is viewed as neurodiverse in origin because it satisfies the primary criteria of a neurodivergent disorder – people with OCD have a brain that processes and behaves differently from what is considered typical.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not included in the obsessive-compulsive spectrum theory. However, Palumbo and colleagues (Palumbo et al. 1997) have suggested that ADHD, OCD and autism share etiological overlap, constituting a group of developmental basal ganglia disorders.