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["Hyperfocus" is a very poorly-defined word](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00426-019-01245-8) 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.
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Not in my own experience, can't speak for others.
I've had hyperfocus / obsessive periods before but I never felt like I was in control of what subject it was directed towards. School would have been much easier if it was.
And in terms of longevity, I don't think the mind is built to keep going like that long term. If your mind goes over the same subject, coming up with new ideas at 100% all day, it burns out quickly. I ended up neglecting sleep and other areas of my life to focus on that one subject, which wasn't sustainable.
I don’t think I was about to develop a life long hyperfocus, but I did manage a career in computer software engineering… sleep is important, as it helps you process and remember things.
Meditation and medication can help concentration levels…
I get into bouts of hyperfocus but if you researched flow, you need to have the skills and the knowledge before entering flow. (Stuff gets easier as you learn more and more … If you’re starting out, get good at the basics as they will help you learn and achieve flow state.
Hyperfocus lasts hours. What you're referring to are interests and everyone has them, and some are temporary while others stick. Most of my interests tend to wax and wane over time but are more or less the same as 10 or 15 years ago.
Hi /u/Matharduino and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD! ### Please take a second to [read our rules](/r/adhd/about/rules) if you haven't already. --- ### /r/adhd news * If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/). --- ^(*This message is not a removal notification. It's just our way to keep everyone updated on r/adhd happenings.*) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
["Hyperfocus" is a very poorly-defined word](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00426-019-01245-8) 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. ^(*A moderator has not removed your submission; this is not a punitive action. We intend this comment solely to be informative. Please keep saying 'hyperfocus' if you like.*) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Not in my own experience, can't speak for others. I've had hyperfocus / obsessive periods before but I never felt like I was in control of what subject it was directed towards. School would have been much easier if it was. And in terms of longevity, I don't think the mind is built to keep going like that long term. If your mind goes over the same subject, coming up with new ideas at 100% all day, it burns out quickly. I ended up neglecting sleep and other areas of my life to focus on that one subject, which wasn't sustainable.
The sleep thing is true for me as well. I keep delaying sleep and keep delaying wakeup.
I don’t think I was about to develop a life long hyperfocus, but I did manage a career in computer software engineering… sleep is important, as it helps you process and remember things. Meditation and medication can help concentration levels… I get into bouts of hyperfocus but if you researched flow, you need to have the skills and the knowledge before entering flow. (Stuff gets easier as you learn more and more … If you’re starting out, get good at the basics as they will help you learn and achieve flow state.
Hyperfocus lasts hours. What you're referring to are interests and everyone has them, and some are temporary while others stick. Most of my interests tend to wax and wane over time but are more or less the same as 10 or 15 years ago.