Periods of Hyperfocus During manic or hypomanic episodes, people with bipolar disorder may engage in “increased goal-directed activity” and restlessness. This can be due to feelings of grandiosity or delusions that they can accomplish unrealistic goals.
Contrarily, patients with bipolar disorder and ADHD can also experience hyperfocus, in which the person focuses on a single task or thought process, possibly to the detriment of other areas of the persons life.
Hyperfixation is not necessarily accompanied by changes in mood or energy level, whereas hypomania is a distinct state of elevated mood and activity. Hypomania is also a symptom of bipolar disorder, whereas hyperfixation may be seen in a range of conditions, including ADHD or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Hyperfocus is most often mentioned in the context of autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but research into its effect on cognitive and neural functioning is limited.
When the mind is moving too fast to keep up with itself, it can find a central focus to put all of its energy into. People, places, things, ideas, conspiracies, scenarios, and a number of other things can become the hyperfocus of someone in a manic state.
Periods of Hyperfocus
During manic or hypomanic episodes, people with bipolar disorder may engage in “increased goal-directed activity” and restlessness. This can be due to feelings of grandiosity or delusions that they can accomplish unrealistic goals.
Because the symptoms of bipolar disorder can mimic ADHD, bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed in children and adolescents. In a 2011 study, children and adolescents (ages 7 to 18 years old) were overdiagnosed with ADHD and underdiagnosed with bipolar disorder.
People with ADHD aren't the only ones who have hyperfocus. Just about anyone can get lost in something that interests them. A psychologist in the early 1990s came up with a concept called flow. It's when you become fully engaged in a challenging activity you enjoy.
Hyperfixation, also referred to as hyperfocus, is commonly connected with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, and depression.
The body is on hyper-alert following a traumatic event. The person often experiences exaggerated startle responses, physical agitation, irritability, and sleep disturbances. This negatively impacts executive functioning and makes things like focus, concentration, and attention more difficult.
Sensory overload: Many people with bipolar disorder are sensitive to noise and other sensory input. They may have deficits in sensory gating, the ability to block out unnecessary sensory information.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings. These can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). Episodes of mania and depression often last for several days or longer.
Hyperfocus may cause a decreased need for sleep and may look like “increased goal-directed activity,” however this is short-lived in people with ADHD, who often feel exhausted once the hyperfocus fades. A manic episode, on the other hand, is independent of external circumstances.
Bipolar disorder (BD) may be a type of neurodivergence. The exact cause of BD is unclear, but it might involve differences in brain functioning and structure. If so, a person with bipolar could identify as neurodivergent.
Common examples of hyperfixation include activities like video games, tinkering with a craft project, or watching TV. Periods of high motivation can capture the interest of some people for long periods of time, sometimes longer than they might otherwise have intended.
Although hyperfixation is not a diagnosable mental health condition, it can be a characteristic of several different disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
While these two phenomena may be similar in some ways, hyperfixation is fueled by an intense passion or interest in the activity. In contrast, hyperfocus is task-driven and often accompanied by clear goals and a strong sense of direction.
An ASD diagnosis is associated with elevated ADHD traits and symptoms, as well as strengths in attention. In the ASD literature, attentional strengths have been described as maladaptive (e.g., hyperfocus), in contrast with positive portrayals in the typically developing population (e.g., flow).
Just about anyone can slip into hyperfocus mode. But experts say it's more common -- and happens more often -- in people with ADHD. It may be because their brains are less sensitive to a chemical called dopamine, which is linked to reward and attention.
The phrase “bipolar meltdown” could refer to a bipolar person having a manic episode or being in a depressed state. These conditions could cause them to lose control of their emotions and have trouble managing them.
There are some similarities and overlap in the symptoms of ADHD and bipolar disorder. 1 Both may include hyperactive or restless behaviors, distractibility, poor concentration, impulsivity, and racing thoughts. Both are also thought to have a strong genetic link.
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.