ADHD Hyperfocus

If you experience ADHD hyperfocus, you know how it can feel like both a gift and a challenge. One moment, you’re completely absorbed in something you love, achieving incredible results; the next, you realise hours have passed, and other priorities have been neglected. 

For friends and loved ones, witnessing hyperfocus in action can be equally fascinating and frustrating – it’s hard to understand how someone can be so engrossed in one thing while seemingly ignoring everything else! If you or a loved one have a tendency to hyperfocus, but have not yet received an ADHD diagnosis, we offer private ADHD Assessment for London, Oxford and surrounding areas. 

Hyperfocus is a unique phenomenon for some people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While ADHD is often associated with difficulty concentrating, hyperfocus shows the opposite: a level of attention so intense that the outside world fades away. 

Understanding this aspect of ADHD can help you and those around you better navigate its benefits and challenges. For more information and tips about nurturing strengths in people with ADHD, take a look at our article What are People with ADHD Good At? 

What Is ADHD Hyperfocus?

ADHD hyperfocus happens when someone with ADHD becomes completely immersed in an activity, often to the point of ignoring everything else – “a state of intense, narrow and prolonged attentional focus” [1]. If this sounds familiar, you might recall times when a project, hobby, or even a conversation consumed all your attention for hours. For loved ones, it may seem puzzling how someone who struggles with general focus can maintain such unwavering attention on certain things.

Key characteristics of ADHD hyperfocus include:

• Sustained Attention: Even if you usually find it hard to focus, hyperfocus allows for hours of engagement when the activity is interesting or rewarding.
• Time Distortion: You may lose track of time, forgetting meals, appointments, or other responsibilities. Loved ones might find it hard to pull you away.
• Tunnel Vision: During hyperfocus, everything else can feel irrelevant, leaving tasks, relationships, or responsibilities unattended.

Recognising hyperfocus is the first step towards learning how to work with it, so both you and the people close to you can turn this intense focus into a valuable tool rather than a source of tension. Whether you’re the one experiencing hyperfocus or supporting someone who does, understanding this phenomenon is the first step to navigating it together.

Understanding the Mechanism of Hyperfocus

ADHD hyperfocus is a paradoxical aspect of ADHD, where individuals who often struggle with sustaining attention can suddenly focus intensely on a specific task or activity. For those who suspect they experience hyperfocus or for parents, partners, and friends trying to understand it, knowing how it works and recognising the signs can provide clarity and support.

How Does ADHD Hyperfocus Work?

Hyperfocus occurs when the brain locks onto a task or activity that provides high stimulation or reward. For people with ADHD, the brain’s dopamine regulation system operates differently, often seeking activities that offer immediate gratification or intense interest [2]. When such an activity is found, hyperfocus takes over, allowing for sustained attention and heightened productivity.

For individuals experiencing hyperfocus, this might feel like being “in the zone,” where everything else fades away. For loved ones, it may seem surprising or even confusing – how can someone who struggles to focus in certain situations become so deeply absorbed in another?

Some triggers of ADHD hyperfocus include:

• Activities that are personally enjoyable or intrinsically rewarding, such as creative hobbies or gaming.
• Tasks that involve problem-solving or novelty, which stimulate the brain.
• Situations with clear structure and immediate feedback, like coding or building something.

Understanding the mechanism of hyperfocus helps individuals and their loved ones see it not as a contradiction, but as a unique aspect of how ADHD brains work.

Hyperfocus ADHD Symptoms: What to Look For

If you suspect you experience ADHD hyperfocus – or if you’re a parent, partner, or friend trying to identify it – here are some common signs:

• Intense Absorption: Losing track of time while completely engrossed in an activity. Hours may pass without realising it, often at the expense of other responsibilities [3].
• Neglect of Basic Needs: Forgetting to eat, drink, or sleep while hyperfocused. For loved ones, this can be a key signal to watch for.
• Difficulty Switching Tasks: Finding it hard to disengage from an activity, even when prompted by others or when it’s no longer necessary.
• Selective Interest: Hyperfocus often occurs only with activities the person finds particularly stimulating or enjoyable, such as hobbies, creative projects, or even certain work tasks.
• Tunnel Vision: Tuning out everything else, whether it’s a ringing phone, a conversation, or a pressing obligation.

For parents or partners, these symptoms can sometimes feel frustrating, especially if important tasks are neglected. However, hyperfocus is not intentional avoidance – it’s a neurological state that can be managed with awareness and strategies.

By understanding these symptoms and the mechanism behind hyperfocus, both individuals and their loved ones can work together to create a balance that harnesses the benefits of hyperfocus while minimising its challenges.

ADHD Hyperfocus in Children

ADHD hyperfocus in children can be both a strength and a challenge. While it allows children to become deeply engaged in activities they love, it can also cause difficulties at home and school when their focus becomes too narrow or inflexible. Understanding how hyperfocus manifests in children and making reasonable adjustments can help parents and educators support them effectively.

How ADHD Hyperfocus Manifests in Children

At home, a child with ADHD hyperfocus may become completely absorbed in activities like video games, art projects, or building with toys such as Lego. They may appear oblivious to their surroundings, ignoring instructions to stop for dinner or engage in other family activities. While this intense focus can lead to impressive achievements, such as completing complex projects, it can also result in frustration for parents who struggle to redirect their child’s attention.

In school, hyperfocus often occurs during lessons or activities that capture the child’s interest, such as science experiments, creative writing, or problem-solving tasks. However, when the subject matter shifts to something they find less engaging, their ability to focus may disappear entirely. Teachers may find it challenging to manage this inconsistency, especially if the child hyperfocuses on one task while neglecting others.

Challenges of ADHD Hyperfocus in Children

Hyperfocus can create several challenges, including:

• Neglecting Other Responsibilities: A child might refuse to move on from an activity, leading to delays in completing homework, chores, or transitioning to other tasks.
• Frustration and Emotional Outbursts: Being interrupted during hyperfocus can cause frustration, leading to resistance or emotional meltdowns.
• Social Isolation: Children who hyperfocus on solitary activities may struggle to engage with peers, affecting their social development.
• Difficulty with Time Management: Losing track of time during hyperfocus can result in missed deadlines or being late for school or extracurricular activities.

Reasonable Adjustments to Support a Hyperfocused Child

Parents and educators can make practical adjustments to help children with ADHD hyperfocus thrive without letting it become a barrier:

• Structured Breaks: Set timers or alarms to signal when it’s time to transition from one activity to another. For example, giving a 10-minute warning before stopping a task can help ease the transition.
• Clear Expectations: Communicate clear guidelines about when and how much time can be spent on hyperfocused activities. At school, visual schedules can help the child understand the day’s plan and when to move between tasks.
• Encourage Balance: Offer opportunities for the child to explore a variety of activities, fostering broader interests and preventing over-reliance on a single focus.
• Positive Reinforcement: Recognise and praise the child’s achievements during hyperfocus, while gently encouraging balance. For instance, say, “You’ve done amazing work on this project. Let’s take a break and come back later.”
• Collaboration with Teachers: Share insights about the child’s hyperfocus patterns with teachers, helping them adapt lesson plans or provide additional support for transitions. Teachers can use engaging activities to redirect focus and keep the child motivated.

By understanding and supporting ADHD hyperfocus in children, parents and educators can create an environment that allows the child to use their focus as a strength while maintaining balance. With the right strategies, hyperfocus can be a tool for learning, creativity, and personal growth, rather than a source of frustration.

Challenges of ADHD Hyperfocus

While ADHD hyperfocus can be a powerful tool, it also comes with challenges that can affect personal and professional life. For those experiencing it, as well as their loved ones, understanding these difficulties is the first step towards managing them effectively.

ADHD Hyperfocus Obsession: When It Becomes Overwhelming

Hyperfocus can become overwhelming when it turns into an obsession. Tasks or hobbies that capture attention can dominate time and energy, leading to:

• Neglect of other responsibilities, such as work, household chores, or personal care.
• Difficulty switching tasks, even when the current activity is no longer necessary or productive.
• Feelings of guilt or frustration when realising how much time has been lost.

Without clear boundaries, hyperfocus can spiral into a pattern where other aspects of life are sidelined.

ADHD Hyperfocus on a Person: Impacts on Relationships

Hyperfocus can extend to people, particularly in the early stages of relationships or when someone becomes a central focus of attention. While this may feel flattering initially, it can also create challenges:

• Partners may feel overwhelmed or pressured by the intensity of attention.
• Over time, the person experiencing hyperfocus may struggle to maintain the same level of interest, leading to confusion or hurt feelings.
• Friends or family might feel neglected if attention becomes too narrowly directed toward one individual.

Balancing hyperfocus with consistent, healthy interaction is essential for maintaining strong relationships. We’ll cover both personal and professional relationships in more detail a bit later in this article.

The Connection Between Hyperfocus and Anxiety

Hyperfocus can exacerbate anxiety, especially when the activity is tied to stress or high stakes. For example:

• Focusing too deeply on work or a problem can lead to overthinking and perfectionism.
• Losing track of time due to hyperfocus can result in missed deadlines, further increasing stress.
• The inability to disengage from hyperfocus can cause tension and frustration in both personal and professional settings.

Understanding this connection can help individuals recognise when hyperfocus is contributing to anxiety and take steps to address it, such as setting time limits or practicing mindfulness.

Acknowledging these challenges can help individuals and their loved ones to develop strategies to manage hyperfocus, ensuring it serves as a benefit rather than a burden.

ADHD Hyperfocus and Relationships

As mentioned earlier in this article, ADHD hyperfocus can significantly influence personal relationships. While it can create moments of deep connection and shared interests, it may also lead to misunderstandings, frustration, or feelings of neglect. Recognising how hyperfocus affects relationships and learning to manage it can help maintain healthy, balanced connections with loved ones.

ADHD Hyperfocus in Relationships: How It Affects Partners

In relationships, hyperfocus often manifests in two ways: intense attention during certain periods and apparent disinterest at others. This can create mixed feelings for both partners.

Early Relationship Intensity:
In the initial stages of a romantic relationship, hyperfocus can lead to extraordinary attentiveness. For example, someone with ADHD may:

• Spend hours planning thoughtful surprises or engaging in deep conversations.
• Hang on every word their partner says, making them feel incredibly valued.

While this can feel exhilarating, it may set unrealistic expectations. As the hyperfocus naturally fades, a partner might misinterpret the shift as a loss of interest, causing confusion or hurt.

Neglecting Other Loved Ones:
Hyperfocus can also lead to unintentionally prioritising one relationship over others. For instance, a person might:

• Spend all their free time with a romantic partner, causing friends or family to feel overlooked.
• Be so immersed in a shared hobby or interest that deeper emotional needs in the relationship go unaddressed.

Managing ADHD Hyperfocus in Personal Connections

Balancing hyperfocus in relationships requires awareness and proactive strategies. Here are some scenarios and approaches:

Scenario 1: Hyperfocus on a Partner
A partner might initially enjoy the intense attention but later feel overwhelmed by constant focus. Conversely, the person with ADHD may struggle when their attention naturally shifts to other interests.
Solution:

• Set expectations early in the relationship about the ebb and flow of attention.
• Schedule regular “check-ins” to discuss feelings and ensure both partners feel heard.

Scenario 2: Neglecting Others Due to Hyperfocus
For example, a parent with ADHD might become engrossed in a personal project and unintentionally miss quality time with their children or spouse.
Solution:

• Use reminders or alarms to take breaks and check in with family members.
• Involve loved ones in your focused activity when possible to foster connection.

Scenario 3: Hyperfocus Leading to Emotional Distance
In some cases, hyperfocus on work or hobbies can leave partners feeling emotionally neglected, even if it’s not intentional.
Solution:

• Schedule intentional downtime to reconnect, such as a weekly date night or family outing.
• Practice active listening during conversations to ensure partners feel valued and included.

Consequences of Unmanaged Hyperfocus in Relationships

Without balance, ADHD hyperfocus can lead to:

• Resentment: Partners or loved ones may feel they’re competing for attention.
• Burnout: The individual with ADHD may overcommit during periods of hyperfocus, causing exhaustion and strained connections later.
• Communication Breakdowns: Misunderstandings about shifting focus can result in unnecessary conflict.

Through fostering open communication and building awareness of hyperfocus patterns, individuals and their loved ones can create more supportive and fulfilling relationships. Hyperfocus, when channelled well, can strengthen personal connections and deepen bonds rather than strain them.

ADHD Hyperfocus and Careers

ADHD hyperfocus has a complex impact on professional life. While it can drive exceptional performance in certain areas, it may also create challenges that hinder career growth. Understanding how hyperfocus affects work and professional relationships can help individuals with ADHD navigate their careers more effectively.

How Careers Can Suffer

Hyperfocus, while powerful, can sometimes lead to problems in the workplace:

• Neglecting Broader Responsibilities:
  Employees may become so absorbed in one task that they ignore other duties or miss deadlines for unrelated but essential work. For example, a hyperfocused designer might spend hours perfecting one detail while overlooking other parts of a project.
• Difficulty Shifting Tasks:
  Many jobs require multitasking and prioritisation. Hyperfocus can make it hard to switch gears, resulting in frustration for both employees and colleagues who depend on their flexibility.
• Burnout and Overcommitment:
  Hyperfocus can drive individuals to work intensely for extended periods, often without breaks. This can lead to exhaustion, reduced productivity, and even long-term burnout.
• Interpersonal Strain:
  Hyperfocus on work tasks can sometimes lead to neglect of team communication or collaboration. For example, an employee engrossed in their own project might unintentionally come across as unapproachable or indifferent to team goals.

Careers Where Hyperfocus Can Be Useful

Hyperfocus can be a significant asset in professions that require deep concentration, creativity, or attention to detail. Some careers where this ability can shine include:

• Creative Fields:
  Writers, artists, musicians, and filmmakers often benefit from hyperfocus, which allows them to immerse themselves in their craft and produce high-quality, detailed work.
• Problem-Solving Roles:
  Jobs like engineering, programming, or scientific research demand sustained focus on complex tasks – an ideal environment for those with hyperfocus.
• Entrepreneurship:
  Business owners with ADHD often excel in areas that captivate their interest, allowing them to develop innovative ideas, drive projects forward, and adapt to challenges.
• Medical and Healthcare Careers:
  Surgeons, therapists, or other professionals in specialised roles can leverage hyperfocus to excel in high-stakes, detail-oriented tasks.
• Analytical Roles:
  Professions like data analysis, accounting, or legal research can benefit from the ability to dive deeply into specific challenges and find patterns or solutions.

Professional Relationships and Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus can both enhance and strain workplace relationships, depending on how it’s managed:

• Positive Impacts:

Hyperfocused employees are often seen as reliable and dedicated when working on tasks that align with their strengths.

Colleagues may appreciate the creativity and depth of insight hyperfocused individuals bring to problem-solving and innovation.

• Challenges:

Coworkers or managers might interpret periods of intense focus as aloofness or unwillingness to collaborate.

Hyperfocus on specific projects may lead to frustration from team members when group goals or deadlines are overlooked.

Strategies for Managing Professional Relationships:

1. Communicate Openly:
   Let colleagues and managers know about your hyperfocus tendencies and how they can work with you to create balance.
2. Set Boundaries:
   Use reminders or task management tools to stay on top of deadlines and shift focus when needed.
3. Foster Collaboration:
   Schedule time specifically for team discussions or collaboration to ensure that others feel valued and included.
4. Leverage Strengths:
   Highlight hyperfocus as a strength during job interviews or performance reviews, demonstrating how it contributes to achieving results.

In understanding the dual nature of hyperfocus, individuals with ADHD can learn to thrive in their careers, balancing their unique strengths with strategies to address potential pitfalls. Hyperfocus, when managed effectively, can become a defining feature of professional success.

Strategies for Managing ADHD Hyperfocus

Managing ADHD hyperfocus effectively involves harnessing its benefits while minimising its potential challenges. This requires an understanding of how to direct hyperfocus to productive areas and maintain balance in daily life. Developing strategies can help individuals achieve their goals without feeling overwhelmed or neglecting other responsibilities.

How to Turn On Hyperfocus ADHD: Tips and Tricks

While hyperfocus can occur naturally when engaging in highly stimulating or rewarding activities, it is possible to encourage this state intentionally. One effective approach is to create an environment that minimises distractions and fosters engagement. For example, working in a quiet, organised space can help the brain lock onto tasks that require attention. 

Setting clear goals or breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps also provides a sense of structure that can activate hyperfocus.

Another method involves tapping into intrinsic motivation. Focusing on tasks that align with personal interests or values increases the likelihood of hyperfocus kicking in. For example, if you enjoy creative projects, weaving these into your professional or personal routines can help sustain concentration. 

Additionally, using tools like timers or productivity apps can help channel hyperfocus into shorter, manageable bursts, reducing the risk of burnout or overcommitment.

Balancing Hyperfocus and Everyday Life

While hyperfocus can be a powerful tool, achieving balance in everyday life is essential to avoid its pitfalls. Learning to set boundaries around time spent in hyperfocus is one way to maintain equilibrium. For instance, scheduling regular breaks or setting alarms can act as reminders to step away and tend to other responsibilities. This ensures that basic needs like meals, exercise, and social connections are not neglected.

It’s also important to practice self-awareness. Noticing when hyperfocus is becoming unproductive, such as when it leads to over-perfectionism or ignoring higher priorities, allows for adjustments to be made. For example, if hyperfocus on a single work task causes other deadlines to slip, stepping back to reevaluate priorities can help restore balance.

Involving loved ones or colleagues in managing hyperfocus can also be beneficial. A trusted partner, friend, or coworker can gently prompt you to shift gears when needed, helping you stay on track without feeling criticised. Finally, developing routines that incorporate both focused time and flexibility ensures that hyperfocus enhances your productivity without detracting from the rest of your life.

How CBT Can Help with Hyperfocus Challenges

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that can effectively address the challenges associated with ADHD [4]. By helping individuals recognise and reframe their thought patterns and behaviours, CBT offers practical tools for managing hyperfocus in a way that aligns with personal goals and responsibilities.

Building Awareness of Hyperfocus Patterns

CBT begins by helping individuals develop greater self-awareness. Therapists guide clients to identify triggers for hyperfocus, such as specific tasks, environments, or emotional states. Recognising when hyperfocus is about to occur allows individuals to intervene early, making it easier to redirect their attention when needed.

For example, a CBT therapist might help a client notice that hyperfocus often kicks in during solitary activities like gaming or creative work, but not during less stimulating tasks like household chores. This understanding creates an opportunity to plan for balance and better time management.

Creating Personalised Strategies to Manage Hyperfocus

CBT focuses on practical, actionable strategies to manage behaviours. For hyperfocus, this might include:

• Setting Boundaries: Therapists can work with individuals to establish clear limits around time spent on specific tasks. Techniques such as using timers, alarms, or scheduled breaks can help interrupt prolonged periods of hyperfocus.
• Prioritisation and Planning: CBT helps clients break down their goals into manageable steps, ensuring hyperfocus is directed toward high-priority tasks rather than low-value activities.
• Task Transition Techniques: Therapists teach strategies to make switching tasks easier, such as setting visual or auditory cues or practising mindfulness to ease the transition.

Addressing Emotional Impacts of Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus often comes with emotional consequences, such as guilt for neglecting responsibilities or anxiety about losing control of attention. CBT helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns associated with these feelings.

For instance, someone might feel overwhelmed by self-criticism after realising they spent hours hyperfocused on a hobby instead of meeting a deadline. CBT can teach them to challenge this guilt, replacing self-blame with constructive thoughts like, “I did something I enjoy, and now I can focus on getting back on track.”

Strengthening Professional and Personal Relationships

Hyperfocus can strain relationships when individuals become so absorbed in tasks that they neglect loved ones. CBT helps clients develop communication and relationship skills to mitigate these effects. A therapist might role-play conversations to help someone explain their hyperfocus tendencies to a partner and agree on strategies for maintaining connection, such as scheduling regular quality time.

Integrating Relaxation and Mindfulness Techniques

CBT often incorporates relaxation and mindfulness exercises, which are invaluable for managing hyperfocus. Mindfulness can help individuals become aware of their focus in the present moment, making it easier to notice when hyperfocus is veering into unproductive or disruptive territory.

Combining practical strategies with emotional support, CBT equips individuals to harness the benefits of hyperfocus while minimising its challenges. Over time, this therapeutic approach helps create a balanced and fulfilling life, even with the complexities of ADHD.

Mastering these strategies may help individuals with ADHD turn hyperfocus into a valuable asset, using it to achieve their personal and professional goals while maintaining a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.

Benefits of ADHD Hyperfocus

Its important to remember that ADHD hyperfocus, while often seen as a challenge, can also be a powerful asset. For adults with ADHD, this intense state of concentration can lead to remarkable achievements when directed effectively. When managed well, hyperfocus becomes more than just a phenomenon, it becomes a tool for success.

Advantages of Hyperfocus in ADHD Adults

For those who experience ADHD hyperfocus, the ability to channel intense concentration into specific tasks or activities can bring several advantages:

1. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
   • Many adults with ADHD excel in creative fields, where hyperfocus allows them to explore ideas in depth and produce unique, high-quality work.
2. Increased Productivity on Passion Projects
   • Hyperfocus enables prolonged periods of work on tasks that resonate personally, helping individuals achieve their goals more efficiently.
3. Mastery of Skills
   • Whether it’s learning an instrument, coding, or solving complex problems, hyperfocus facilitates deep engagement that fosters skill acquisition and expertise.
4. Problem-Solving Excellence
   • Hyperfocus often leads to innovative solutions, as individuals are able to immerse themselves fully in analysing and resolving challenges.
5. Resilience in Detail-Oriented Work
   • While attention to detail may be a struggle in other contexts, hyperfocus allows for meticulous attention when the activity is compelling.

For loved ones, recognising these advantages can help shift the narrative around ADHD, focusing on strengths rather than limitations.

Harnessing ADHD Hyperfocus for Productivity

To make hyperfocus work for you, it’s important to learn how to direct it towards meaningful and productive activities. Here are some strategies:

1. Identify Triggers and Interests
   • Recognise the tasks or environments that naturally engage your hyperfocus, and incorporate these into your work or daily routine.
2. Set Boundaries with Timers
   • Use alarms or reminders to prevent hyperfocus from consuming too much time and neglecting other priorities.
3. Prioritise High-Value Tasks
   • Direct hyperfocus towards activities that align with your goals, whether it’s advancing your career, completing a project, or nurturing a hobby.
4. Create a Structured Environment
   • Minimise distractions and design a space that supports deep concentration on tasks that matter most.
5. Involve Supportive Loved Ones
   • Ask partners, friends, or colleagues to gently remind you when it’s time to switch tasks, helping you balance focus with flexibility.
6. Use Hyperfocus for Planning
   • Allocate time for planning and organising during periods of hyperfocus to create a roadmap for your less-focused moments.

When managed well, ADHD hyperfocus can be a significant advantage, allowing you to excel in areas of interest and achieve extraordinary results. By embracing this ability and implementing strategies to direct it effectively, you can transform hyperfocus from a challenge into a strength.

Conclusion

Embracing the Benefits and Overcoming the Challenges of ADHD Hyperfocus

ADHD hyperfocus is a unique aspect of living with ADHD. While it can drive incredible achievements, creativity, and productivity, it also presents challenges that may impact personal relationships, careers, and daily responsibilities. With the right support and strategies, it’s possible to embrace the benefits of hyperfocus while minimising its drawbacks.

At Oxford CBT, we understand the complexities of ADHD and how hyperfocus fits into the broader experience of living with this condition. Our tailored Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programmes can help you or your loved one navigate these challenges by providing:

• Self-Awareness and Insight: CBT helps identify personal triggers and patterns associated with hyperfocus, empowering you to anticipate and manage this state effectively.
• Practical Strategies: Our therapists work with you to create actionable plans for redirecting hyperfocus to meaningful tasks and maintaining balance in your daily life.
• Emotional Resilience: CBT addresses the emotional impacts of hyperfocus, such as guilt, frustration, or anxiety, helping you reframe these experiences into opportunities for growth.
• Relationship Support: We help clients improve communication and understanding with loved ones, fostering stronger connections despite the challenges hyperfocus can bring.

Through evidence-based techniques and a compassionate, supportive approach, Oxford CBT helps clients develop skills to harness hyperfocus as a strength while managing its potential downsides. Whether you’re looking to improve productivity, strengthen relationships, or reduce anxiety, our team is here to help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.

If ADHD hyperfocus is affecting your life, reach out to Oxford CBT today to learn how our services can support you. Together, we can turn hyperfocus into an asset that enhances your well-being and overall success.

References

1. Pimenta et al. (2024) The role of executive functions in mediating the relationship between adult ADHD symptoms and hyperfocus in university students. Research in developmental disabilities. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38039699/ 
2. Levy and Swanson (2001) Timing, space and ADHD: the dopamine theory revisited. The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11531733/ 
3. Eloise Porter (2012) What Is Hyperfocus and How Does It Affect Kids and Adults?. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-symptoms-hyperfocus 
4. Healthline (2021) How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help Manage ADHD. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/cbt-for-adhd 

Author – Tom Murfitt

With over a decade’s experience in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Tom has worked in both the NHS and private sector to help adults and children to overcome a range of difficulties and improve their mental wellbeing. In addition to being an experienced CBT therapist, Tom is also an accredited Mindfulness teacher, providing courses locally, in businesses and schools. You can read more about us here.  

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