Hyperfocus is the intense state of concentration experienced by some people with ADHD. People have difficulty controlling where they focus. Some tasks can be hard to concentrate on, while others can consume them completely.
A common symptom of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) in children and adults is the inability to focus at length on the task at hand. Those who have ADHD are easily distracted, which makes it difficult to give sustained attention to a specific activity, assignment, or chore.
But a lesser-known and more controversial symptom that some people with ADHD demonstrate is known as hyperfocus. Note that there are other conditions that include hyperfocus as a symptom, but here we will look at hyperfocus as it relates to a person with ADHD.
Hyperfocus is the experience of deep and intense concentration in some people with ADHD. ADHD is not necessarily a deficit of attention but rather a problem with regulating one’s attention span to desired tasks. So, while mundane tasks may be difficult to focus on, others may be completely absorbing. An individual with ADHD who may not be able to complete homework assignments or work projects may instead be able to focus for hours on video games, sports, or reading.
People with ADHD may immerse themselves so completely in an activity that they want to do or enjoy doing to the point that they become oblivious to everything around them. This concentration can be so intense that an individual loses track of time, other chores, or the surrounding environment. While this level of intensity can be channeled into difficult tasks, such as work or homework, the downside is that ADHD individuals can become immersed in unproductive activities while ignoring pressing responsibilities.
Much of what is known about ADHD is based on expert opinion or anecdotal evidence from people with the condition. Hyperfocus is a controversial symptom because there is currently limited scientific evidence that it exists. It is also not experienced by everyone with ADHD.
Although hyperfocus can have a detrimental effect on a person’s life by distracting them from important tasks, it can also be used positively, as evidenced by many scientists, artists, and writers.
Others, however, are less lucky — the object of their hyperfocus may be playing video games, building with Legos, or online shopping. Unrestrained focus on unproductive tasks can lead to setbacks in school, lost productivity at work, or failed relationships.
It may be difficult to rouse a child from a period of hyperfocus, but it is crucial in regulating ADHD. Like all symptoms of ADHD, hyperfocus needs to be delicately managed. When in a hyperfocused state, a child may lose track of time and the outside world may seem unimportant.
Here are some suggestions for managing your child’s hyperfocus:
- Explain to your child that hyperfocus is part of
their condition. This may help the child see it as a symptom that needs to be
changed. - Create and enforce a schedule for common
hyperfocus activities. For instance, restrict time spent watching television or
playing video games. - Help your child find an interest that removes
them from isolated time and fosters social interaction, such as music or
sports. - While it may be difficult to pull a child out of
a state of hyperfocus, try using markers, such as the end of a TV show, as a
signal to refocus their attention. Unless something or someone interrupts the
child, hours can drift by when important tasks, appointments, and relationships
may be forgotten.
Adults with ADHD also have to deal with hyperfocus, on the job and at home. Here are some tips for coping:
- Prioritize daily tasks and accomplish them one
at a time. This can keep you from spending too much time on any one job. - Set a timer to keep yourself accountable and to
remind you of other tasks that need to be completed. - Ask a friend, colleague, or family member to
call or email you at specific times. This helps break up intense periods of
hyperfocus. - Enlist family members to turn off the
television, computer, or other distractions to get your attention if you get
too immersed.
Ultimately, the best way to cope with hyperfocus is not to fight it by forbidding certain activities, but rather to harness it. Making work or school stimulating can capture your focus in the same way as your favorite activities. This may be difficult for a growing child, but can ultimately become advantageous for an adult in the workplace. By finding a job that caters to one’s interests, an individual with ADHD can truly shine, using hyperfocus to their advantage.