Researched by Kel Roberts
Hyperfixation..? What Is That?
The term “hyperfixation” has been one of the many medical terms to gain popularity over the last few years. It has existed long before 2020 though.. So, what is it? A hyperfixation is a very intense connection. This connection goes much deeper than the average interest, it’s far more obsessive. When this trait takes action, it becomes immensely difficult for individuals to focus on anything aside from their hyperfixation. There are different kinds of hyperfixations, some examples being food, shows, hobbies, or even people.
This trait is often linked to neurodivergence, such as autism or ADHD. However, hyperfixations can also be experienced after trauma or due to anxiety-related disorders (though some of these disorders actually do count as neurodivergent depending on the country). It’s very possible to notice the signs of a new or returning hyperfixation forming, many of the symptoms kick in pretty quickly. Some symptoms include;
● Narrowed focus
● Difficulty capturing attention
● Limited ability to engage with others
● Complete engrossment in subject of hyperfixation, all thoughts and activities are related to this
● Lack of social awareness
Symptoms may vary from person to person, though.
Effects On Health, Mental and Physical
The effects of a hyperfixation aren’t all entirely bad nor entirely good. Being in a state of hyperfixation can actually help someone reach their goals! With this state also usually comes a burst of energy and sometimes productivity, as they may be focused on something related to their dream career or something that can help them with school. Typically, this interest and learning new things related to it make individuals very happy, so it can bring people joy as well. If one is fixated on some sort of media, they can likely find new friends if they engage in fandom culture to feed this fixation. It is possible for good to come from this.
Despite all the good things, though, there are still poor effects on one’s mental health, especially so in teens who already have a lot going on. Being in a state of hyperfixation can lead to issues with sleep and excessive daydreaming. Those two things can often lead to irritability, or crankiness. Also, having a hyper fixation can cause somebody to essentially “disconnect” from their life outside of their subject of fixation, which can lead individuals to forget about important things such as self-care. People experiencing a hyper fixation may forget to eat, drink, and keep up with their own hygiene. The physical toll this can take is rough; Dehydration and hunger are brutal. Chronic dehydration may cause dizziness, dry mouths, and less frequent urination which can cause issues with the kidneys. Prolonged starvation or food restriction can cause depression, malnutrition, stunts in growth (for teens who are still growing!), and poor bone health. All of that on top of poor hygiene will leave individuals weak and dirty, and those two conditions alone are enough to depress a person.
Teens may also disconnect from people in their lives, causing heavy strains on relationships. For example, if a teen fixated on a video game spent all of their time playing this game or engaging in fandom content, they might turn down hangouts with friends in favor of their own interest. Or, they may link every conversation back to their fixation, which can make them come off as self-absorbed. This can lead to that teen losing their friends. A lack of social life isn’t good for anybody, especially those who experience hyper fixations on sources of media. They may replace these lost connections with parasocial attachments to specific characters or voice actors, which is incredibly unhealthy. It’s common for teens to avoid their family more as well, not just their friends. Once relationships become strained, it’s easy for these teens to feel very alone and rely on their hyper fixation for anything positive.
Because of this intense attachment to their hyperfixation, it’s easy for someone to feel waves of depression or numbness once the fixation finally starts to fade. Teens may experience what feels like a loss of purpose.
How To Support Hyper Fixated Teens Or Yourself
Because it’s very difficult to put a total end to a hyperfixation (though it is possible), it’s good to try and reach out for/provide external help to make sure the person can maintain balance in their life. Encourage breaks from the source of their fixation. Walks can be helpful to let out thoughts, whether they’re solo or with another person. Talking openly about the subject is very good for this; if you are the one being spoken to about it, make sure the person feels understood and well-listened to. Offer or seek help with neglected tasks that definitely shouldn’t be neglected– such as setting reminders to eat or drink, or seeking/providing help with school work or maybe some chores.
Works Cited
Batten, Lisa. “What Is Hyperfixation, and Does ADHD Cause It? – Frida.” Frida, 2023, www.talkwithfrida.com/learn/adhd-hyperfixation/. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024. Cootey, Douglas. “ADHD Hyperfocus Let-Down: Avoiding the Crash.” Www.additudemag.com, 31 Mar. 2022, www.additudemag.com/adhd-hyperfocus-crash/.
Gilmore, Joe. “Gratitude Lodge.” Gratitude Lodge, 26 Nov. 2024,
www.gratitudelodge.com/signs-of-drug-use/stimulant/hyperfixation/. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Health, Embark Behavioral. “Hyperfixation: What Parents of Teens Need to Know.” Embark Behavioral Health, 6 Oct. 2022,
www.embarkbh.com/blog/adhd/hyperfixation-in-teens/#h-symptoms-of-hyperfixation-nb sp. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Jantz, Dr Gregory. “What Is Hyperfixation, What Are the Symptoms and How to Manage It.” The Center • a Place of HOPE, 31 Jan. 2023,
Moller, Ralph. “Hyperfixation in ADHD and Autism.” Abtaba.com, 2024, www.abtaba.com/blog/hyperfixation-in-adhd-and-autism.
Comments