A Snapshot Into ADHD: The Impact of Hyperfixations and Hyperfocus From Adolescence to Adulthood

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized as a lack of attentional regulation rather than the inability to maintain attention (Groen et al., 2021). With the growing research on ADHD development, concepts such as a hyperfixation or hyperfocus have been used with mismatched definitions. Therefore, the first goal of this research was to help define what it means to hyperfixate and hyperfocus. Because people with ADHD under 25 years old are still developing executive functions, experiencing fluctuating symptoms, and facing fewer expectations of independence, which allows for more exploration of self-identity, the development of hyperfixations and hyperfocus can be more common among adolescents. Thus, the second goal of this research was to evaluate the hypothesis of hyperfixation and hyperfocus development in various age ranges. Data will be collected via an online questionnaire and one-on-one interviews, open to people of all ages. The participants will be asked to answer questions on their ability to focus as well as their experience with hobbies and interests. Each respondent will be evaluated separately based on age, gender, and whether they have an ADHD diagnosis. The data will then be analyzed to determine whether there is a relationship between hyperfixation/hyperfocus occurrence and age or other demographics. As one of the earliest studies on the topic of hyperfixations in the context of ADHD, this research will help advance the understanding of attentional processes in ADHD, which may shed light on future directions in this field.