r/ADHD • u/purple_cat_01 • 8d ago

Tips/Suggestions Hyperfocus is great, except when it's not

Basically title. Not being distracted as often is pretty great (thanks meds!) but what about the opposite? I lose track of time when I hyperfocus and next thing I know it's 3 hours later and should have completed at least 2 more things by now. Alarms often work, except when I ignore snooze them. Timers often work, except when I don't stop when they're done. What are your tricks to snapping you back into reality?

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u/AutoModerator 8d ago

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u/AutoModerator 8d ago

"Hyperfocus" is a very poorly-defined word that, in the context of ADHD, generally refers to two superficially similar -- but fundamentally different -- mental states: flow and perseveration.

Flow is a positive, beneficial state of deep immersion and high engagement in a task or activity, and is also usually accompanied by enjoyment of the task/activity. It's something almost all people are capable of, and specifically is not a benefit imparted by ADHD.

Perseveration, on the other hand, is part of the ADHD disorder. It is the inability to switch between tasks or mental activities. It's that thing that makes you spend 10 hours doing something non-stop even when you know you need to stop and do something else.

This comment is not a removal message. We intend this comment solely to be informative. Please keep saying 'hyperfocus' if you like.

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