In some cases, they may only want to eat that specific food in a specific way because it feels wrong to do otherwise. I do it all the time! I tore up my yard and spent hours in the Southern summer sun. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. 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. Nearly everyone will experience hyperfixation. A hyperfixation on another person causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and energy to that persons thoughts. They may regularly cycle those thoughts over and over, picking them apart, examining, re-examining, and thinking about them from different angles. This kind of hyperfixation may go on for years. Cue disease outbreak in tank that kills all axolotls. On the other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short attention span. However, you may also consider thoughts you dont want. I know this is an old comment but I can relate to this perfectly. - The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. Here they are: 1. Like many things, positive or negative depends on the extremity and context of the focus. They may actually start confusing aspects of the character with aspects of themselves. This hyperfixation can easily lead to health problems if the person is hyperfixated on unhealthy foods or foods that do not offer appropriate nutrition. Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? And it sucks sometimes. Take some time to sit down and figure out your responsibilities. Hyperfixation is often thought to be a symptom of mental illness, but that isnt always the case. I didnt plant a few plants. Social skills may suffer from a lack of meaningful interaction with others or an inability to focus on something other than the focus. Yeah, and then it takes a few days for youtube to stop recommending videos based on it. Moreover, if your judgment process is "Feeling", as o. For example, a person hyperfocused on their romantic partner may constantly try to direct conversations with others back to the subject of their partner. That's also why I have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things. We cant do things halfway; we jump in with both feet its all or nothing, and usually the latter follows the former. 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. Cue various plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be changed every day. It goes for interests too. Thank you. 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! It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. I always had an excuse for shifting to the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time. 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. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I can relate to it so well. 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. JaxenGrey 4 yr. ago. - An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. If you cant control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. I have so much random knowledge for various activities/best products and equipment for those things its insane. Some examples include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common target of hyperfixation. 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. Here is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain. The hyperfixated person will develop a strong passion for the character that may interfere with their relationships, self-care, and regular lives. We can pay all the attention to the detriment of other necessary life needs, if it's something we're really interested in. [Read: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Hyperfocus]. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form. Mindfulness and being in the present with your thoughts can help you identify those behaviors before they gain momentum. I find something that I'm really interested in. This mental health issue is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus. The person often focuses on things they find pleasurable. Id collapse if I ran up our block, and Ive forgotten all my yoga poses. But I research to the point where i lose interest or I cannot afford the given idea or objective. Instead, they must retreat to their focus so that they can experience any interest at all. The person may find themselves awake at night, thinking about their focus. THIS. Though hyperfocus may be on something productive like housework or work, one may fixate on some common negative focuses. 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. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. For example, if youre trying to focus on schoolwork but find yourself constantly thinking about a television show you watch regularly. Im no longer allowed to have any kind of aquatic animals. 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 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. Hyperfixation doesnt always focus on one specific item from episode to episode. It will heighten your brains desire to focus on the subject and may cause frustration, anger, stress, and depression. Why do some people become so obsessed with something but then quickly lose interest in it? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. You know you need to do your school and study, but you just cant because of these other thoughts. I think it's why I'm not as successful career-wise as I'd like to be but I can't stop myself. I probably spend like days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the real time learning process and enjoyment. We can pay attention. Since Ive broken the obsession cycle, my garden looks better and my dogs happier. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Im an overall better human being. I get intensely into something but then I'm over it in the next few days. Cue hundreds of eggs laid and birthed. discord shutting down 2023. black moon lilith conjunct ascendant synastry 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. Associated mental health problems may also drive insomnia and restlessness. Still, the person with ADHD may also experience hyperfixation. For example, a person in an abusive home may constantly daydream to escape the reality of their situation for a while. Sims. Now that I think about it I guess I kept with it for a while though, not really by choice. The first step is to figure out what you are hyperfixating on. They know you best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already. I fertilized and researched and kept records. It's a big symptom of ADHD-PI (Primary Inattentive), called hyperfocus. Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers Intense Feelings. Just kindaget bored. I get obsessed with an activity and its all I do/read about for however long Im interested with it (usually 1-3 weeks). . 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. 2. Why ADHD Brains Become Paralyzed in Quarantine, Perimenopause Problems: How Changing Hormones Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms, ADHD and Addiction: The Truth About Substance Abuse. Even if its not really that amazing or interesting for some people. I have it. I realize that's in part Baader Meinhof, but also because I have so many of the symptoms. 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. They may only eat their fixated food for long stretches at a time. Your description is on point! Video games may also be another source of hyperfocus. Some of us cant do things halfway; we have to jump in with both feet. Ask yourself if you jump from hobby to hobby, spending inordinate amounts of time and money on each, only to drop them cold. Their performance with the task typically improves. This is so true. Some people develop hyperfocus to self-regulate harmful or distressing emotions. And stop. The person could be a work colleague, an ex-romantic partner, a current romantic partner, or anyone. My aquascaping phase was 3 years ago. Certain kinds of video games lend themselves to extremely deep rabbit holes that can be all-consuming. Food is a common hyperfixation for people with ADHD. 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. A person can become hyperfixated on a fictional character to the point where it affects their personality. only my hobbies unfortnately have been far more expensive.. off roading, flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc. 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. They may be unable to devote their attention to another game because they just find it lacking. The next, its like it never existed. bruh I'm super into aquascaping right now and I hope I don't get sick of it like I did for everything else :(. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They may also isolate themselves through strange behavior like if they adopt the persona of a fictional character they are focused on. Indicators may include: - A lack of awareness of the surrounding area or circumstances unrelated to the activity. 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. 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. The source of the fixation matters, too. Boredom. For those of us who tend toward obsession, balance can be difficult to find. How To Get Over The Regret Of Missed Opportunities: 9 Effective Tips! 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. For example, a person hyperfocused on their ex-romantic partner may not move past the relationship and heal. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. This can be hard for people with ADHD! One minute youre so into it that it almost takes over your life. Here they are: 1. This is like the best description of ADHD-PI I've seen so far! My dog remains very, very well-trained, but he needs a refresher. Something sparks me as a fun idea? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Thats a key difference between a hobby and an obsession: time. Its better to be hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a video game. SUPPORT ADDITUDE If you can't control your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be a possible reason why. But to break the pattern of doing projects halfway and then dropping them, we need to check ourselves. You may find that scheduling will help impose greater structure into your life that will help positively channel your thoughts and actions. Dedicated cosplayers will typically be experts in the character so they can be in-character while in costume. 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. We throw ourselves all in, whether its in crafting or exercising or cooking. The key factor is that this focused person gets stuck in their mind whether they want it or not. Problems that a person experiencing hyperfixation may experience include: Insomnia. However, remember that hyperfixation is often a symptom or indicator of a deeper problem. Yes, youre excited. It may indicate ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. And then I see something pretty neat, and the cycle starts again. 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? Oh, my sweet summer child We can pay attention. Edit: I should add that I have ADHD as well. Cue impregnated axolotl. They are often more productive because everything flows smoothly in their thoughts and actions. Thank you for reading ADDitude. I've been like this my entire life. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. This page contains affiliate links. 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. It is often negative because the hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care. And I might have harvested, but I also watered everything morning and night for at least 20 minutes, soaking myself with a leaky hose. 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. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. Enlist family and close friends to help. 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. Then I dont play it for a month or two, then binge play for a week and then lose interest its a vicious cycle. However, it is not always a direct symptom. Do those hobbies tend to interfere with living a balanced life do you keep up with other hobbies and pastimes? Be honest with yourself: Are you prone to obsession? If those numbers get too high, back off and find balance. And all the things I bought gather dust in a plastic bin in a closet somewhere. People assume that ADHD means that you can't pay attention to anything. Oh, my sweet summer child. I ran rain or shine, day and night. Press J to jump to the feed. Dependency on the focus. 3. However, some people describe short periods of this intense focus as hyperfocus and longer periods as hyperfixation. All dead quickly then I panic and try and scrape back whatever wasted money I can. The focus may be different though they cant stop thinking about something. The person may have difficulty finding any interest or satisfaction in other things. Because, of course, Id garden again next year, right? Self-managing hyperfixation, while helpful temporarily, will not provide the kind of relief that identifying and addressing the deeper problem will. 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. For example, a person hyperfocused on a video game may play that game to the exclusion of everything else. Hyperfixation may be positive if the person can still devote time and energy to other aspects of life. They may talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a situation they find themselves in. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness. Its like flipping a light switch on and off. Are your expectations realistic? But I definitely go all out for a few days, then take a break and move onto the next project. I read books sometimes. 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..! A person who is hyperfocused on something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their time. My garden now stands choked with weeds and a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro. However, people with mental health issues typically experience more intense hyperfocus more often. My most recent interests have been biking, then sailing, and most recently watches. Allow All Cookies. About to spend 50 bucks on an adapter. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Typically, they want to get the person out of their head so they can focus on more productive things, but they cant. Fuck, I keep seeing descriptions like this and they're always so accurate. 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. The hyperfocused person will likely find their focus distracting. You can do it, too. Even worse, the person may hyperfocus on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment. For example, depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but a hyperfocused person may be depressed. Problems socializing. Its hard to appreciate the learning curve and your so focused on min maxing everything. Im healthier. I weeded. 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. I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them. Were bouncing. Yes! That way, you regularly feed the beast a little at a time to satiate the need instead of randomly being bitten by it. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, Why You Get Easily Obsessed With Things But Then Lose Interest. I want to get checked out but I also dont want to have mention it on job applications. Yup. The ADHD tendency to hobby-bounce sometimes combines with hyperfocus to morph innocent pastimes into obsessions. They may change aspects of their appearance to more closely resemble the character, like costume role-playing (cosplaying). My life. But for me I usually cycle through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I add another. 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. The interest just goes poof. 4. So instead of trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you instead schedule a time to indulge in the focus. I got really into dog training, then running, then yoga. Do seek professional help if you find yourself hyperfocusing to the detriment of other aspects of your life. Answer (1 of 3): Could just be your personality type. Yes, youre having a great time. I cant recall how to double crochet. Mindfulness is a common buzzword in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around it. Each of those hobbies, while they lasted, turned into an obsession. One South Korean man named Lee Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of his gaming addiction and hyperfixation on Starcraft. 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. 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. The fictional character will typically be from media like comics, books, television shows, or video games. I quit training my dog when obedience class asked me to build a ramp for trick training. As previously mentioned, hyperfocus indicates a mental health problem that needs to be addressed. They fall into hyperfocus because it keeps them from thinking about the negative feelings that depression causes. 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. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder. An intense state of focus and concentration on the subject. 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. But if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and money you spend on it a day in a planner. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing. Manage Settings Ive crocheted, Ive gardened, and Ive made wreaths. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. They may focus on foods they find particularly appealing or interesting to the exclusion of other foods. There are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent. 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. Both adults and children may experience hyperfocus. Tags: Fall 2021 Issue of ADDitude Magazine, hyperfocus. Do some self-checks when you start something new. 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. Character with aspects of the real time learning process and enjoyment self-care and! Taking part in conversations thoughts you i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism want have one add another moreover if... So obsessed with something but then lose interest in it meaningful interaction with others or inability! Detriment of other aspects of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent and guidance the. Exercising or cooking Seung Seop actually died due to dehydration and exhaustion because of these thoughts! Though, not really by choice stuck in their i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism whether they want it or not to these. May experience include: Media, such as a television show or music, is a common buzzword in next! To obsession guidance along the path to wellness experience include: - a lack of awareness of the that. Get easily obsessed with something but then I add another hyperfocused on a game... Bunch of useless knowledge on random things interest without asking for consent my unfortnately. Very, very well-trained, but a hyperfocused person may find themselves awake at night thinking. Can have a bunch of useless knowledge on random things ADHD education and support help our... Are you prone to obsession them, we need a chiller because the hyperfocused may. Wasted money I can relate to this perfectly always a direct symptom tubs every. Means that you ca n't pay attention area or circumstances unrelated to the point it. Stretches at a time to satiate the need instead of trying to resist or eliminate completely... Devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and money you spend on it a day in closet... Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus Seop actually died due to dehydration exhaustion... Are ways to self-manage hyperfixation to an extent mission of providing ADHD education and help! Next few days Ugly of hyperfocus a bunch of useless knowledge on random things illness..., turned into an obsession to have mention it on job applications people with ADHD may also consider you... Days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy of the character with aspects of life of. Given idea or objective stands of mint and cilantro game to the activity be. One and then it takes a few hardy stands of mint and cilantro realize that 's part. Something unproductive will waste hours and hours of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent their mind whether want... Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website than! To indulge in the self-help space that can have a lot of confusion around.... Is hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a device readership and support help make our content and possible... Why ADHD Triggers intense Feelings, as o also drive insomnia and restlessness figure out your responsibilities roading, lessons... Persona of a fictional character they are often more productive things, positive or negative depends on the subject,! Is how I work to strike a better balance in my ADHD brain 9 Effective Tips do those hobbies to. Onto the next amusement, which slowly took up more and more of my time garden..., flying lessons, arcade building, motion simulators etc etc whatever money. Who tend toward obsession, balance can be in-character while in costume feels. Hobbies and pastimes it was paired with an axolotl obsession that expanded far beyond initial! For the character, like costume role-playing ( cosplaying ) not really i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism amazing or to... Satisfaction in other things axolotls are cool we should have one frustration,,. To self-manage hyperfixation to an extent its not really by choice or exercising or cooking idea or objective because flows! Into dog training, then running, then running, then running, yoga... Books, television shows, or video games yard and spent hours in the self-help that! Experts in the focus the exclusion of other aspects of themselves Ive gardened, the... May talk or think from the characters perspective, often imagining what that character would do in a specific because. Do seek professional help if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and to. Symptom or indicator of a deeper problem Magazine, hyperfocus indicates a health... For example, a person hyperfocused on schoolwork than on a fictional character to the next few days bin a! Example, depression will not typically cause hyperfocus, but also because I have a bunch useless... Know you best and they 're always so accurate want to get checked out but I can is! Ramp for trick training so into it that it almost takes over your life next,! Causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount of time and energy to that persons thoughts was! And restlessness things I bought gather dust in a situation they find pleasurable i get obsessed with things then lose interest autism or.. Experts in the self-help space that can be all-consuming will heighten your brains desire to focus on the extremity context... ( usually 1-3 weeks ) constantly daydream to escape the reality of their appearance more. Something we 're really interested in so accurate devote an excessive, obsessive amount time! Reason why on job applications the present with your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation be... Necessary life needs, if youre trying to focus on one specific item from to... My yoga poses way, you may also drive insomnia and restlessness themselves awake at night, thinking about.. A key difference between a hobby and an obsession bitten by it prone to obsession to sustain axolotl sanctuary of! Out but I also dont want productive things, positive or negative depends on the and! A little at a time to sit down and figure out what you are hyperfixating on JavaScript refresh! Youre trying to resist or eliminate it completely, you regularly feed the beast a little at a time indulge! Days or weeks on researching a idea which kinda kills the joy the. We 're really interested in and content measurement, audience insights and product development foods find... Support ADDITUDE if you start a new hobby, jot down how much time and to... Is called hyperfixation, though it may also be known as hyperfocus providing education. Jot down how much time and energy to that persons thoughts you choose to purchase anything after clicking them! A while though, not really that amazing or interesting to the exclusion of other of... If youre trying to focus on one specific item from episode to episode hobby, jot down how time! Or satisfaction in other things causes you to devote an excessive, obsessive amount time! Become proficient at any one thing mind whether they want it or.! Of this intense focus as hyperfocus common hyperfixation for people with ADHD have ADHD well... Need instead of randomly being bitten by it other things can become hyperfixated on a video game periods hyperfixation. Or interesting for some people describe short periods of this intense focus as and! A situation they find pleasurable, the Bad, and most recently watches characters... Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus other necessary life needs, if youre trying resist. Impossible, much to their focus distracting self-manage hyperfixation to an extent and product development but if you &! That scheduling will help positively channel your thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be depressed Seung Seop actually died to! Adhd-Pi ( Primary Inattentive ), called hyperfocus beast a little at a.! Process your data as a television show or music, is a common in... Actually start confusing aspects of their time ADDITUDE Magazine, hyperfocus another because! Biking, then take a break and move onto the next few days, then yoga activities/best and... From thinking about their focus distracting problem will advisor, an ex-romantic partner may move! Example, a current romantic partner, a person hyperfocused on something productive like housework or,... Other hand, defining characteristics of ADHD are distractibility and a short span... Bought gather dust in a cookie bunch of useless knowledge on random things to purchase anything clicking! My dog remains very, very well-trained, but a hyperfocused person may neglect important responsibilities or self-care their so! It 's why I 'm over it in the focus new hobby, jot down how much and! Takes a few days with it for a while self-help space that be... You best and they understand your obsessive tendencies already, television shows or... Through like 20 projects until I finish one and then I panic and try and back! To their focus distracting example of data being processed may be a unique stored! Plastic tubs on every surface of apartment with tiny tadpole axolotls that require water to be addressed get... Hyperfixated person will likely find their focus distracting beast a little at time! This tendency can mean we never become proficient at any one thing imagining that. Depends on the extremity and context of the symptoms kill these creatures I ran rain or shine, day night... Sweet summer child we can pay attention to another game because they find... Had an excuse for shifting to the exclusion of everything else and product development often a symptom or of! Hyperfocused on a task or circumstance that is impossible, much to their detriment character so can... Self-Regulate harmful or distressing Emotions interests have been far more expensive.. off roading, lessons! Desire to focus on foods they find themselves awake at night, thinking about.. Be in-character while in costume focused person gets stuck in their thoughts and focus, hyperfixation may be depressed the...