Psychiatrically, it is considered to be a trait of ADHD together with inattention, and it has been proposed as a trait of other conditions, such as schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).[1][2]
One proposed factor in hyperfocus as a symptom involves the psychological theory of brain lateralization, wherein one hemisphere of the brain specializes in some neural functions and cognitive processes over others. Those who have a tendency to hyperfocus, such as those with ADHD, may experience a form of "pseudoneglect" where attention is dominant on one side of the brain, leading to preferential attention in some neural connections and processes over others overall.[3][4] While this idea is under study, it is not yet empirically proven.[5][6][7]
Hyperfocus may bear a relationship to the concept of flow.[2] In some circumstances, both flow and hyperfocus can be an aid to achievement, but in other circumstances, the same focus and behavior could be a liability, distracting from the task at hand. However, unlike hyperfocus, "flow" is often described in more positive terms, suggesting they are not two sides of the same condition under contrasting circumstance or intellect.[7]
Psychiatric symptom
Hyperfocus may in some cases also be symptomatic of a psychiatric condition. In some cases, it is referred to as perseveration[2]—an inability or impairment in switching tasks or activities ("set-shifting"),[8] or desisting from mental or physical response repetition (gestures, words, thoughts) despite absence or cessation of a stimulus.[9][10][11][12] It is distinguished from stereotypy (a highly repetitive idiosyncratic behaviour).[1]
Conditions associated with hyperfocus or perseveration include neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those considered to be on the autism spectrum and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In ADHD, it may be a coping mechanism or a symptom of emotional self-regulation. So called "twice exceptional" people, with high intellect and learning disabilities, may have either or both of hyperfocus and perseverative behaviours.[2][1] They are often mimicked by similar conditions involving executive dysfunction or emotional dysregulation, and lack of diagnosis and treatment may lead to further co-morbidity.[1]
ADHD
In ADHD, formulation and thinking can be slower than in neurotypical people (though this is not universal), and may be "long-winded or tangential".[1][13] These inattentive symptoms occur dually with what has been termed "hyperfocus" by the 2019 Updated European Consensus Statement on Adult ADHD.[14] The over-concentration or hyperfocus often occurs if the person finds something "very interesting and/or provide(s) instant gratification, such as computer games or online chatting. For such activities, concentration may last for hours on end, in a very focused manner."[1]
Two major symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include repetitive sounds or movements and fixation on various things including topics and activities.[19] Hyperfocus in the context of ASD has also been referred to as the inability to redirect thoughts or tasks as the situation changes (cognitive flexibility).[20]
One suggested explanation for hyperfocus in those with ASD is that the activity they are hyperfocused on is predictable. Aversion to unpredictable situations is a characteristic of ASD,[21] while focusing on something predictable, they will have trouble changing to a task that is unpredictable.[19]
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental condition characterized by a disconnect from reality, including grandiose delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal social behavior.[22] Recently, hyperfocus has come into attention as a part of the cognitive symptoms associated with the disorder. In this use, hyperfocus is an intense focus on processing the information in front of them. This hypothesis suggests that hyperfocus is the reason those afflicted with schizophrenia experience difficulty spreading their attention across multiple things.[23]
Psychopathy
Some research, such as that of Naomi Sadeh and Edelyn Verona, published in Neuropsychology in 2008,[24] has suggested that psychopaths are hyperfocused on obtaining a reward and as a result their ability to use contextual cues, punishment or contextual information for adjusting their behaviour may be impaired. Moreover, they develop tunnel vision blocking out any peripheral stimulation (such as fear of achieving the goal).[25][26]
^ abcdWebb, James T.; Amend, Edward R.; Webb, Nadia E.; Goerss, Jean; Beljan, Paul; Olenchak, F. Richard (2005), Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger's, Depression, and Other Disorders, Scottsdale, AZ: Great Potential Press, Inc., pp. 50–51, ISBN9780910707640, …there are no empirical data that support hyperfocus as an aspect of ADD/ADHD. In gifted children without ADD/ADHD, this rapt and productive attention state is described by Csikszentmihalyi (1990) as 'flow.' … What has been coined 'hyperfocus' in persons with ADD/ADHD seems to be a less medical-sounding description of perseveration. Thus the apparent ability to concentrate in certain limited situations does not exclude the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
^Goodin, Kate. "Famous People with ADHD". Parenting. Meredith Corporation. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2013. David Neeleman, Founder of JetBlue Airways … reported in an interview with ADDitude magazine his ADHD prevents him from being detail-oriented and completing doing day-to-day tasks, saying, 'I have an easier time planning a 20-aircraft fleet than I do paying the light bill.'
^Kooij, J. J. S.; Bijlenga, D.; Salerno, L.; Jaeschke, R.; Bitter, I.; Balázs, J.; Thome, J.; Dom, G.; Kasper, S.; Filipe, C. Nunes; Stes, S.; Mohr, P.; Leppämäki, S.; Casas, M.; Bobes, J. (2019). "Updated European Consensus Statement on diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD". European Psychiatry. 56 (1): 14–34. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.11.001. hdl:10651/51910. ISSN0924-9338. PMID30453134. Patients may also over-concentrate or 'hyperfocus'. This phenomenon most commonly occurs when engaged in activities that the patient finds very interesting and/or provide instant gratification, such as computer games or online chatting. For such activities, concentration may last for hours on end, in a very focused manner.
^2012 Burnett Lecture Video, Part 3 of 3, Q & A Dr. Russell Barkley by UNCCHLearningCenter - Streamed live on 1 November 2012 Sponsored by the Academic Success Program for Students with LD and ADHD — a UNC-Chapel Hill Learning Center Program in the College of Arts and Sciences — and the UNC General Alumni
Shelley-Tremblay, J. F.; Rosén, L. A. (1996). "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An Evolutionary Perspective". The Journal of Genetic Psychology. 157 (4): 443–453. doi:10.1080/00221325.1996.9914877. PMID8955426.
Funk, J. B.; Chessare, J. B.; Weaver, M. T.; Exley, A. R. (1993). "Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, creativity, and the effects of methylphenidate". Pediatrics. 91 (4): 816–819. doi:10.1542/peds.91.4.816. PMID8464673. S2CID23043636.
