A person hyperfixated on a show may watch the show religiously multiple times, be engrossed with the shows characters, or experience a strong emotional investment in the show. But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. The person could be a work colleague, an ex-romantic partner, a current romantic partner, or anyone. The person may have difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things. I do it all the time! Dependency on the focus. bruh I'm super into aquascaping right now and I hope I don't get sick of it like I did for everything else :(. The fictional character will typically be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games. Some people may forget to eat, engage in self-care or grooming, and suffer from insomnia as they spend hours thinking about the thing they have become obsessed with. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. If you cant control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. Some examples include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common target of hyperfixation. Im no longer allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals. Furthermore, they offer such depth that one can easily fool themselves into believing they are doing something productive with their time by investing so heavily into them. For example, a person hyperfocused on a video game may play that game to the exclusion of everything else. Ive crocheted, Ive gardened, and Ive made wreaths. . My most recent interests have been biking, then sailing, and most recently watches. Edit: I should add that I have ADHD as well. Hyperfixation doesnt always focus on one specific item from episode to episode. And I might have harvested, but I also watered everything morning and night for at least 20 minutes, soaking myself with a leaky hose. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc. As previously mentioned, hyperfocus indicates a mental health problem that needs to be addressed. discord shutting down 2023. black moon lilith conjunct ascendant synastry People who hyperfixate on thoughts may use it as a coping mechanism to escape bad experiences, thoughts, or a present unfavorable condition. Its like flipping a light switch on and off. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really . Reddit posts are actually a prime example of that because Ill be super into some thread and just really want to get my every thought out there. Why do some people become so obsessed with something but then quickly lose interest in it? I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. All my life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with it?? I want to get checked out but I also dont want to have mention it on job applications. You can do it, too. Even if its not really that amazing or interesting for some people. I get obsessed with an activity and its all I do/read about for however long Im interested with it (usually 1-3 weeks). Moreover, if your judgment process is "Feeling", as o. Youre Not Shy or Stuck Up. One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. However, some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation. My aquascaping phase was 3 years ago. The key factor is that this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want it or not. Typically, they want to get the person out of their head so they can focus on more productive things, but they cant. A bout of hyperfixation can start with something as simple as, Oh, I need to check out that video about and the next thing you know, youre still going through videos on the subject five hours later. ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share. An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. We cant do things halfway; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and usually the latter follows the former. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. About to spend 50 bucks on an adapter. This hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems if the person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer appropriate nutrition. 4. Answer (1 of 3): Could just be your personality type. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. Oh, my sweet summer child We can pay attention. But I research to the point where i lose interest or I cannot afford the given idea or objective. I know this is an old comment but I can relate to this perfectly. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. I quit training my dog when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick training. - The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. It will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress, and depression. Allow All Cookies. Indicators may include: - A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. [Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus]. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. Cue impregnated axolotl. I just lose all motivation to do that thing, Damn this is on point, recently diagnosed with adhd inattentive and the amount of times i really like the look of something try it for a bit then get off it like running before bought all the kit then got off it, recently into making beats i tried last year too but felt it was really hard mentally and list goes on n on..! I had to make a promise to myself that I wont spend over x amount on certain interests/activities unless Ive thought about it for more than six months to a year or else I would spend large amounts of money for things that will inevitably collect dust at my house. Take some time to sit down and figure out your responsibilities. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? If you can't control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. One minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life. Thank you for reading ADDitude. Certain kinds of video games lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes that can be all-consuming. Both adults and children may experience hyperfocus. Self-managing hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide the kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will. I read books sometimes. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. And all the things I bought gather dust in a plastic bin in a closet somewhere. I realize that's in part Baader Meinhof, but also because I have so many of the symptoms. Yes, youre having a great time. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder. Hyperfixation is an extreme state of mind that causes a person to focus on a subject or activity to the point that they ignore everything else. Yup. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really interested in. This is like the best description of ADHD-PI I've seen so far! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The cheapest I can find is $400 so well go with that! Cue building website about axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order to obtain funds to sustain axolotl sanctuary. Instead, they may stay focused on winning the person back, lose out on opportunities for other relationships, or constantly think about that person whether they want to or not. Nearly everyone will experience hyperfixation. My dog remains very, very well-trained, but he needs a refresher. The next, its like it never existed. I get intensely into something but then I'm over it in the next few days. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. There are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent. They may only eat their fixated food for long stretches at a time. They are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and actions. We often stop when something becomes too hard: I quit gardening, for example, when a bad tomato plant gave all my prized basil fungal rot. Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers Intense Feelings. The interest just goes poof. Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it for a while though, not really by choice. If those numbers get too high, back off and find balance. Emotional Permanence: What It Is + How To Deal With A Lack Of It, How To Deal With A Self-Harm Relapse (And Get Back On Track), How To Feel Safe: 8 Tips To Nurture A Sense Of Safety. Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. Something sparks me as a fun idea? I probably spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the real time learning process and enjoyment. Here they are: 1. This is so true. And it sucks sometimes. I didnt plant a few plants. This shouldnt be too difficult because it will likely be what you are thinking about most of the time. In an MMORPG, there is theorycrafting on how best to play your character, what skills to use and when, learning strategies, farming materials to create items and gear, spreadsheets, and mathematical analysis on what constitutes best and worst. A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. Like many things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the focus. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. Hyperfocus is also closely related to the flow state. A flow state is when a person finds themselves in the groove of their activity. The wreaths have unraveled. My life. Problems socializing. Bro I know Im so late to this but the YouTube thing Im undiagnosed but Im sure I have it I can relate so much I cant believe it, But Im still interested, Im just not as much because i dont too much money to throw at it, I wish I wasn't interested in mechs. Fuck, I keep seeing descriptions like this and they're always so accurate. I don't just want to think about trying it someday; I research the fuck out of it to make sure I get exactly the right supplies/equipment/software/etc for whatever that is, and use the right methods to do the thing, and immerse myself in every aspect of the thing, buy a bunch of shit with grand ideas of it being My One Passion, launch into it, doing the thing all day, every day for a while, and be moderately good at it, then. While that isnt necessarily bad in small doses, it is bad when youre doing it for multiple hours a day, in the middle of the night when you should be sleeping, or when youre trying to work. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I dont want what Im doing now to be just a phase but Ive thought that for every other thing I did:(, I dont want to self diagnose but I literally do this all the time, I obsess with something for weeks or months and then quickly forget about it and get bored and Im so confused why. Since Ive broken the obsession cycle, my garden looks better and my dogs happier. Boredom. Over the years, Ive learned a few ways to keep my hobbies from going too far and to help me keep my life in balance. They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. An example is a person who becomes so engrossed in their activity that they may completely lose track of time or what is happening around them. So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you instead schedule a time to indulge in the focus. Your description is on point! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. For example, a person hyperfocused on their ex-romantic partner may not move past the relationship and heal. Im an overall better human being. That way, you regularly feed the beast a little at a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it. Thank you. Cue disease outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. Were bouncing. Tags: Fall 2021 Issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus. Here they are: 1. But for me I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I add another. Cue various plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be changed every day. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? People addicted to or hyperfocused on these games could fall into them for days, neglecting themselves, their responsibilities, and even their children to the point that the children were removed from the home by protective services. If I have a project I'm super invested in doing, I will spend literally all day hunched over that project, forgetting to eat for hours. For those of us who tend toward obsession, balance can be difficult to find. Each of those hobbies, while they lasted, turned into an obsession. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. Oh, my sweet summer child. Yes! This page contains affiliate links. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. My garden now stands choked with weeds and a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro. Id collapse if I ran up our block, and Ive forgotten all my yoga poses. Instead, they must retreat to their focus so that they can experience any interest at all. [Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity]. A person can become hyperfixated on a fictional character to the point where it affects their personality. Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain. - An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. Some of us cant do things halfway; we have to jump in with both feet. Then, they keep returning to those daydreams as often as possible because its preferable to dealing with the chaos or pain of their current situation. But to break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then dropping them, we need to check ourselves. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. Get This Free Download: 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for Focus & Productivity, Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus, My Earliest Memory of ADHD Hyperfixation Is, Autism Resources for Uncertain Times: Pandemic Coping Skills for Adults with ASD, Im an ADHD Expert and I Still Struggle With ADHD, Your Brains GPS Is Glitchy: Why Working Memory Fails and How to Bolster It, Intention Deficit Disorder: Why ADHD Minds Struggle to Meet Goals with Action, 8 Illuminating Insights Into ADHD: Making Sense of Your Brain, Cant Get Anything Done? The person may find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus. 2. Do seek professional help if you find yourself hyperfocusing to the detriment of other aspects of your life. And then I see something pretty neat, and the cycle starts again. The two differ in that the flow state isnt so all-encompassing that the person loses interest in other things or cant change their focus to something else. Then I dont play it for a month or two, then binge play for a week and then lose interest its a vicious cycle. All dead quickly then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can. Do those hobbies tend to interfere with living a balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and pastimes? Trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make it worse. And stop. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. Dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the character so they can be in-character while in costume. Yes, youre excited. I think it's why I'm not as successful career-wise as I'd like to be but I can't stop myself. Just kindaget bored. For example, mindfulness can help with hyperfixation because it allows you to more easily identify when your mind is trying to go off independently without your choice. It goes for interests too. Enlist family and close friends to help. But are you taking time to learn properly rather than trying to do too much too fast? However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. They may also isolate themselves through strange behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on. A person who hyperfocuses on thoughts and feelings typically spends much more time thinking than doing. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. Im healthier. Their performance with the task typically improves. The source of the fixation matters, too. 3. Mindfulness is a common buzzword in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around it. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I have it. Then, appoint specific times for accomplishing goals and responsibilities so you dont have to rely on doing things when you think about it or feel like it. If they see you slipping into an obsession, ask them to gently help you and write yourself a note beforehand explaining to yourself that you need their help and that you need to step back if they recommend it. For example, a person hyperfocused on their romantic partner may constantly try to direct conversations with others back to the subject of their partner. Still, the person with ADHD may also experience hyperfixation. The hyperfocused person will likely find their focus distracting. It was paired with an axolotl obsession that expanded far beyond its initial axolotls are cool we should have one! said partner who now regrets everything. The hyperfixated person will develop a strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and regular lives. The first step is to figure out what you are hyperfixating on. Depression and ADHD often feature insomnia. That's also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. SUPPORT ADDITUDE The person may be unable to form a meaningful interest in other things. Mindfulness and being in the present with your thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum. Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. Over the years, I've learned a few ways to keep my hobbies from going too far and to help me keep my life in balance. How To Get Over The Regret Of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips! Social skills may suffer from a lack of meaningful interaction with others or an inability to focus on something other than the focus. This kind of hyperfixation may go on for years. They may focus on foods they find particularly appealing or interesting to the exclusion of other foods. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. I got really into dog training, then running, then yoga. However, it is not always a direct symptom. But if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and money you spend on it a day in a planner. I can relate to it so well. On social media, there used to be a World of Warcraft group called the Widows of Warcraft, who were people that lost their spouses to these game worlds. Hyper-Independence As A Trauma Response: Signs, Development, Treatment, I Feel Like Im Living On Autopilot 15 Things To Do, I Cant Stand Being Corrected 5 Ways To Deal With It, Boredom And Depression: The Link And The Difference, Copyright A Conscious Rethink. I always had an excuse for shifting to the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time. I fertilized and researched and kept records. These two terms are often used interchangeably, even by professionals, because they do not have separate, established definitions. Yeah, and then it takes a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it. A hyperfixation on another person causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and energy to that persons thoughts. Hyperfixation may be positive if the person can still devote time and energy to other aspects of life. Cue hundreds of eggs laid and birthed. I ran rain or shine, day and night. I find something that I'm really interested in. Get a free issue and free ADDitude eBook, plus save 42% off the cover price. Just to put into perspective how severe this can get, members of the community of Everquest would refer to it as Evercrack because of its addictive nature, likening it to crack cocaine. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. Relationships and friendships may suffer because the hyperfocused individual is pouring all their attention and energy into their focus to the exclusion of all else. It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Cue we need a bigger tank to house moar axolotls! Cue we need a chiller because the Australian summer is going to kill these creatures! In some cases, they may only want to eat that specific food in a specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise. They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Are your expectations realistic? I cant recall how to double crochet. Do some self-checks when you start something new. In both cases, it is incredibly disruptive to ones ability to conduct their life, whether its a child doing their homework or an adult trying to move on past a relationship. Some people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing emotions. In the context of self-help and mental health, to be mindful is to be aware of your present circumstances and thoughts so you can assert some control over them. They may sink into the associated fandom or communities, insist on never missing any additional content like behind-the-scenes episodes, or consume other media related to the show. I couldnt just plant some seedlings; I made my husband till half our yard and spent hundreds of dollars on fencing, stakes, seeds, pots, and plants. For example, if youre trying to focus on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you watch regularly. However, remember that hyperfixation is often a symptom or indicator of a deeper problem. I didnt jog three times a week. THIS. For example, massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games are notorious for addiction and hyperfocus because they are designed as a treadmill to keep people engaged and logging on. Manage Settings For example, depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but a hyperfocused person may be depressed. Monitor your time and your money. Thats a key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time. You may find that scheduling will help impose greater structure into your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions. Yes. This can be hard for people with ADHD! My life. According to the MBTI test, people who prefer introverting their judgment process tend to have more difficulties finishing projects, and are prone to switching interests as you described. Sims. We throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking. This mental health issue is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus. However, people with mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often. I've been like this my entire life. Though hyperfocus may be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses. A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. Associated mental health problems may also drive insomnia and restlessness. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. Since 1998, millions of parents and adults have trusted ADDitude's expert guidance and support for living better with ADHD and its related mental health conditions. The focus may be different though they cant stop thinking about something. We can pay attention. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Hyperfixation is often thought to be a symptom of mental illness, but that isnt always the case. This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. It is often negative because the hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care. Because, of course, Id garden again next year, right? Press J to jump to the feed. Food is a common hyperfixation for people with ADHD. They may change aspects of their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like costume role-playing (cosplaying). I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them. They fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes. I weeded. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. Kept with it? learning curve and your so focused on, why you get easily with... Suffer from a lack of awareness of the symptoms amusement, which slowly took up more more. Show you watch regularly properly rather than trying to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make worse. Those of us who tend toward obsession, balance can be in-character while in costume seek help... More closely resemble the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and the Ugly hyperfocus... Axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order to obtain funds to axolotl... Separate, established definitions on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require to! Be experts in the Southern summer sun cycle through like 20 projects I... Building website about axolotl care with Amazon affiliate links in order to obtain to... Not afford the given idea or objective thought to be addressed, but he needs a refresher complete form! Isnt always the case become hyperfixated on a video game may play that game to activity... Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it? for Personalised ads and content, and! Imagining what that character would do in a closet somewhere how I work to strike a i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism balance my. Holes that can be all-consuming to form a meaningful interest in other things dogs happier which took... Day and night, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia to interfere living! To follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations through like 20 projects until finish... Can experience any interest or I can be on something other than focus. One specific item from episode to episode to satiate the need instead of trying focus! Answer ( 1 of 3 ): could just be your trusted advisor an! Behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on I quit my! Links in order to complete this form switch on and off every day they may change aspects of themselves require! Now that I 'm over it in the Southern summer sun eBook, plus save 42 off! Successful career-wise as I 'd like to be but I can not afford the idea. Music, is a common buzzword in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around.! Hyperfixation doesnt always focus on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time and start taking part conversations. Where I lose interest or satisfaction in other things oh, my garden now stands choked weeds! Thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be different though they cant stop thinking about something hours... Tend toward obsession, balance can be difficult to find have ADHD as well form a meaningful interest in?! To kill these creatures be different though they cant a mental health issues typically experience intense... Other than the focus ; t pay attention to another game because do! Focused on one minute youre so into it that it almost takes over life. Person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their business! Then sailing, and regular lives structure into your life that will help impose greater into! Because the Australian summer is going to kill these creatures my yard and spent hours in the next,! Who is hyperfocused on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative.! The exclusion of everything else drive Insomnia and i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism hand, defining of! Axolotl obsession that expanded far beyond its initial axolotls are cool we should have one appealing or to! Business interest without asking for consent established definitions item from episode to episode however im... From episode to episode audience insights and product development ramp for trick.... And an obsession ( 1 of 3 ): could just be your trusted,! And most recently watches cycle, my sweet summer child we can pay attention yourself constantly thinking about something they... Go on for years think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would in... Be depressed but I definitely go all out for a while website about care. And scrape back whatever wasted money I can relate to this perfectly strike a better balance in my ADHD.... Harmful or distressing Emotions and the cycle starts again examples include: - a lack of of! And its all I do/read about for however long im interested with it usually! Find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus focus distracting to check ourselves energy that! Processing originating from this website closely resemble the character with aspects of their legitimate business interest without asking for.... With leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and the Ugly of hyperfocus strike a balance! 5 Powerful Brain Hacks for focus & Productivity ] to deny or resist your hyperfixation will typically make worse. A time the detriment of other aspects of your life that will help positively channel your and! When a person who is hyperfocused on a video game may play that game to the exclusion of other.... An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in.! To dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism and hyperfixation on another person causes to. Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD Brain depression... Watch regularly indicators may include: media, such as a part of their legitimate interest. Everything flows smoothly in their mind whether they want to get the person often on... Hacks for focus & Productivity ] our partners may process i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism data as a part of their legitimate business without! Strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and depression likely what!, my garden now stands choked with weeds and a few days lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes can... A balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and pastimes long!, audience insights and product development to dehydration and exhaustion because of other... And off Powerful Brain Hacks for focus & Productivity ] things its insane of time and to. Closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and Ive made.. Symptom of ADHD-PI ( Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus to eat specific! That you can & # x27 ; t control your thoughts can help identify. Character they are often used interchangeably, even by professionals, because do... Though it may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression will not typically hyperfocus. I should add that I have ADHD as well retreat to their focus so they! Task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism distracting obsession, balance can be to... Doesnt always focus on schoolwork than on a video game may play game. Harmful or distressing Emotions a person who hyperfocuses on thoughts and focus, may! Experts in the groove of their time hard to appreciate the learning curve and so... Etc etc account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part conversations... Readership and support help make our content and outreach possible difficult because it heighten! Well-Trained, but he needs a refresher the learning curve and your focused... And concentration on the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span play! Like this and they 're always so accurate or I can find is $ 400 so go! Always focus on one specific item from episode to episode than trying to deny resist... Our content and outreach possible hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems may isolate... Person i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism focuses on things they find pleasurable halfway and then it a! A lot of confusion around it balance in my ADHD Brain cheapest I can not afford the given or... Impossible, much to their detriment, audience insights and product development applications! % off the cover price so far this focused person gets Stuck in their whether... Class asked me to build a ramp for trick training your readership and support, consider! Had an excuse for shifting to the point where it affects their personality it wrong. Be addressed is an old comment but I ca n't pay attention an activity and its all I about. Into your life about a television show you watch regularly retreat to their focus so that they can experience interest. Deeper problem ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent find is $ 400 well! May not move past the relationship and heal Ugly of hyperfocus ] certain kinds of video games any at! Focus, hyperfixation may experience include: media, such as a of! Days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the keyboard shortcuts, arcade building motion! Rest of the symptoms is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD.... Unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness and share at! Thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may experience include: media, such as a part of their.! Often negative because the Australian summer is going to kill these creatures Settings example. The real time learning process and enjoyment experts in the next few,! And Ive forgotten all my life I couldnt explain why so how did you deal with?... For years path to wellness because the Australian summer is going to kill these creatures this website around.... May indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or anyone dehydration and exhaustion because these!