What Is Hyperfocus?

Hyperfocus is a common symptom of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can occur with both the hyperactive and attention-deficit types of the disorder. Understanding hyperfocus is important to understanding how an ADHD patient's brain works. Many individuals find hyperfocus contradictory to the nature of ADHD. Patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often struggle to concentrate on tasks for long periods. But with hyperfocus, affected individuals become fixated on a single task or interest and can do it for extended time periods. They may be unable to pay attention to anything other than their area of interest.