If you’ve fallen down a Google search asking “are hyperfixations bad” or “is hyperfixation a symptom of ADHD or autism,” you’re not alone — and the answer is more nuanced than most quick explainers suggest. A hyperfixation is an intense, often all-consuming focus on a hobby, subject, or interest — sometimes lasting weeks, sometimes a full year, before dropping away completely. As an AuDHDer, mine tend to centre on music and reading, though I’ve had plenty of hyperfixations that arrived so fast and left just as suddenly, never to be touched again. Here’s what I’ve learned about when hyperfixation is a strength — and when it’s worth paying attention to.
One of my current special interests is neurodivergence. Over the past two years I have consumed so much information through books, videos, social media content and podcasts in order to understand how my brain works. Although this hyperfixation has waned a little since I first started, I’m still passionate about the subject and want to learn even more. Could this have been seen as unhealthy at some point? Yes definitely due to the money spent on books and my inability to think of nothing else for months on end although you could say that that has been processing time for a lifetime of masking and not understanding why I felt so different.
A couple of years ago I got really into Bullet Journalling and Calligraphy which lasted about nine months. I bought so many supplies, journal, pens, stickers and spent hours drawing and planning out pages for the journal. I even started an Instagram page for it. It was really relaxing but I spent so much money and time which I didn’t really have!
This year so far my hyperfixations have been on music. January was a month of the Wicked Soundtrack and February a month of Chappell Roan’s album. Both on repeat over and over, in the kitchen, shower, car and then just in my head! Apart from annoying my partner and boys, I don’t feel this music obsession has been unhealthy. It gives me joy.
I would say my hyperfixations become unhealthy when I lose track of time and forget things I should be doing. I’m also guilty of ignoring my kids and staying up way past when I should go to bed for example if I’m in the middle of a new Netflix series or playing my favourite game on my phone.
What is your current hyperfixation?
