When you hear ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), do you picture the little boy in class who just can’t sit still, is always on the go, and is in trouble for disturbing the class?
You’re not wrong, and that was the traditional explanation.
Yet, as more research into the disorder is conducted, it becomes clear that it is much bigger than that.
Not only does it affect girls as much as boys and impacts adults, but it also affects everyone differently.
ADHD is a complex disorder with many facets; looking into it in finer detail will take books. The leg we want to explore today is overfocused ADHD.
This ADHD subtype involves an intense, almost obsessive, focus on specific tasks or interests.
What is Overfocused ADHD?
You know when you’re reading an excellent book or playing a game? One that pulls you into the story, and you completely lose sense of time.
You become so engrossed you ignore your other responsibilities and can even forget to eat or use the bathroom!
This intense focus, or hyperfocus, is overfocused ADHD.
It’s an ADHD subtype that involves an intense, almost obsessive, focus on specific tasks or interests.
Remember, over- or hyperfocus is not a voluntary choice.
For people struggling with ADHD, it can be as difficult to find their focus as it is to break out of hyperfocus.
Overfocused ADHD vs. Overfocused ADD: Is There a Difference?
You might have heard the terms “ADHD” and “ADD” used interchangeably. While they describe similar challenges, there’s a slight distinction in how the terms are used.
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
This is an older term used to describe individuals who primarily struggled with inattention and difficulty focusing.
It didn’t include the hyperactivity and impulsivity often seen in ADHD.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
This is the current term for the condition in all its forms, including inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentations.
So, “overfocused ADD” is basically an outdated way of referring to the inattentive presentation of ADHD with a hyperfocus tendency.
Today, we generally use the term “overfocused ADHD” for this specific subtype.
Overfocused ADHD Symptoms
Overfocused ADHD can look different in different people, but here are some common signs.
Hyperfocusing
This involves becoming so engrossed in an activity that everything else fades into the background.
You can lose track of time, ignore your surroundings, and neglect basic needs like eating or sleeping.
H3: Inflexibility
If you have overfocused ADHD, it can be difficult for you to adapt to changes in plans or routines.
You become fixated on a specific way of doing things and resist any deviations from your established patterns.
Difficulty With Transitions
Shifting between tasks or activities can be a significant challenge.
You get “stuck” on one activity and find it hard to move on to something else, even when necessary.
Obsessive Thoughts and Worries
Another aspect of overfocused ADHD is obsessive thoughts and excessive worrying.
It means you often ruminate on specific topics or get caught in a negative thought loop. It’s why you struggle to let things go.
How Overfocused ADHD Affects Daily Life
Productivity and Time Management
When you are so intensely focused on one task, you often neglect other responsibilities and deadlines. It means that you struggle to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively.
Relationships
When you are engrossed in a task, quickly shifting your attention to a conversation can be incredibly challenging. For example, do you snap at people when you’re busy with something and someone interrupts you?
This can harm relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues.
Daily Tasks
Simple chores or errands become overwhelming when you fixate on a specific detail or activity. This can lead to procrastination and difficulty completing everyday tasks.
Emotional Well-Being
Overfocused ADHD adds to anxiety, frustration, and low self-esteem. You may feel overwhelmed by your inability to control your focus and manage your responsibilities.
Strategies for Managing Overfocused ADHD
The good news is that overfocused ADHD is manageable.
Here are some things that can help:
Mindfulness
Learning to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings can help you recognize when you’re hyperfocused.
This awareness can help you stop what you are doing to shift your attention.
Time-Management Techniques
Tools like timers, alarms, and schedules can help you stay on track and avoid getting lost in one task.
Also, try breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and then taking a break after each step.
You’ll need to experiment with different tools until you find what works for you.
For instance, some people find the Pomodoro method or timers very effective, while others use songs or TV episodes to “time” themselves.
Building in Breaks
Regular breaks can help refresh your mind and shift your focus more easily.
During these breaks, you can exercise for a bit to move your body, meditate to calm your mind, or just move away from your current task.
Professional Support
A therapist can offer guidance and support in creating coping strategies and managing overfocused ADHD.
Because qualified therapists with ADHD expertise understand ADHD holistically but treat you personally, they can help you with your specific symptoms.
At Guided Grace Family & Youth Services, we offer various therapeutic services to help individuals and families with the challenges of ADHD and other mental health conditions.
Don’t let hyperfocus overshadow your days.
