The Dopamine Hungry Brain: How Hyperfixation Affects The ADHD Brain

Have you ever sat down to do a task with the intent to spend only a half hour on it but before you know two hours have gone by? This is a common occurrence called hyperfixation and many people experience it. But for those who have ADHD, hyperfixations may interfere more with daily life.

What are hyperfixations and why do they happen?

Hyperfixations are simply described as “absorption into a particular task.”¹ But depending on the level of absorption that occurs it can lead a person to tune out everything around them, ignore responsibilities, forget to take necessary breaks, lose track of time, and be commutatively unresponsive to those around them.² Falling into a period of hyperfixating is usually not intentional, and it can happen without being fully aware that it is happening. An additional layer that adds complexity to hyperfixations is that they vary with everyone who experiences them, making it both a universal and yet personal experience.

While hyperfixations can happen to anyone, people who have ADHD are more likely to experience them because of imbalances of dopamine and underactive reward systems.³ Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is released when a positive, satisfying experience occurs. The release of dopamine tied to a certain experience signals to the brain that the experience was rewarding and should be sought out again. This initiates a reward system. Reward seeking behavior works differently for ADHD brains because they have dopamine dysregulation.⁴ Dopamine dysregulation is a combination of low dopamine and abnormal dopamine release.⁵ Since ADHD brains have atypical dopamine use, people with the disorder seek out tasks or interests that will create a greater, more dopamine filled reward.⁶ These tasks are often complex and extremely engaging since less exciting, mundane daily tasks do not offer enough of a dopamine rush.⁷Once the task that delivers such a notable reward is found, the ADHD brain is more likely to become lost in the task and want to return to it again and again to receive a flood of dopamine.

Hyperfixations and special interests: how they differ

Similar to how those with ADHD are more susceptible to falling into periods of hyperfixations, those who have ASD are more likely to find and become absorbed by special interests. Hyperfixation and special interests are terms that are frequently used together, but their meanings are different. Hyperfixations are a deep immersion in a task that one may already find enjoyable whereas special interests are “a very focused interest in a particular topic.”⁸ A special interest often lasts throughout one’s entire life and can impact what is studied in school or career choice.⁹ Special interests can bring those with ASD a sense of safe repetitiveness while those with ADHD look for new and challenging tasks that can turn into hyperfixations. However, a hyperfixation may occur within a special interest. ¹⁰ For example, someone who has a special interest in whales may become hyperfixated on a specific species of whale for a period of time. They may even experience the symptoms of hyperfixating such as losing track of time, ignoring daily tasks, and being acutely focused for a long period of time. Still, this period of hyperfixating remains a single part of the larger special interest. Even with this overlap of hyperfixation and special interest, it does not mean the terms are synonymous.

Types of hyperfixations

Hyperfixations tend to center around engaging tasks or hobbies. Since what may be engaging for one person is not for another, the list of hyperfixations is endless. Some common ones are:^11,12,13

• Food
• TV shows or films
• Crafting
• Baking
• Gardening
• Playing video games
• Repetitively playing of the same songs

The impact of ADHD hyperfixating and how to manage it

Since hyperfixations can sometimes become all-encompassing, there are tools that can be implemented to keep life balanced. It’s important to keep in mind that while some of these tools may work for some, they may not all be as helpful or effective for others. An especially helpful technique to curb hyperfixating are time management skills.¹⁴ A simple but effective time management tool is setting a time limit or timer for how long one can engage in a hyperfixation since this can prevent losing track of time.¹⁵ This still allows for time to be spent enjoying the hyperfixation while not letting it impede on other important tasks. Another tool to prevent hyperfixations from taking over is to designate a spot or place for the hyperfixation.¹⁶ This can mean both where anything surrounding the hyperfixation is kept, like materials or books on the subject, and where to engage with the hyperfixation takes place.¹⁷ By not having the hyperfixation in easy grasp, this will decrease the likelihood of being distracted by the hyperfixation. Mindfulness may help as well if hyperfixating becomes unhealthy.¹⁸ By being able to come back to the present and increase awareness of what else is currently happening, this will help to temporarily shed the engulfing fog of hyperfixating.¹⁹ These tools are not meant to completely prevent hyperfixations from occurring, but rather should be used to maintain balance.

While hyperfixations can cause negative drawbacks, they also give further dimension and purpose to those who experience them. Positives of hyperfixations are finding joy in tasks or hobbies, expanding knowledge in certain areas, and building community with others who share the same interest. Hyperfixations can bolster creative thinking and skill development.²⁰ Additionally, hyperfixating can benefit one’s work life by encouraging articulate writing, fact gathering, attention to detail, and striving for excellence.²¹

At times, hyperfixations can be difficult to manage alongside daily routines, responsibilities, work, and relationships. Hyperfixations also show up differently for everyone who experiences them due to their complex nature and the wide variety of things that can be hyperfixated on. Those who have ADHD may especially struggle to disconnect from their hyperfixations. But hyperfixations also bring knowledge and skills to life that create joy and meaning. Finding stability with these aspects can help create a balanced, hobby-rich life.

Citations

1. Rasna Kaur Neelam, “What is Hyperfixation?” Charlie Health, last modified 12 October 2023.
2. Neelam, “What is Hyperfixation?”
3. Elle Littman “Brain Stimulation and ADHD/ADD: Cravings and Regulation,” ADDitude Magazine, last modified 25 March 2025.
4. Neelam, “What is Hyperfixation?”
5. Neelam, “What is Hyperfixation?”
6. Littman, “Brain Stimulation and ADHD/ADD: Cravings and Regulation.”
7. Anuna Nygaard, “Hyperfixations: What Is It and How To Combat Hyperfocusing,” Sandstone Care, last modified 16 June 2025.
8. S. Srakocic, “Special Interest vs. Hyperfixation: Differences and Resources,” Healthline, last modified 8 November 2023.
9. Srakocic, “Special Interest vs. Hyperfixation: Differences and Resources.”
10. Srakocic, “Special Interest vs. Hyperfixation: Differences and Resources.”
11.  Nygaard, “Hyperfixations: What It Is and How To Combat Hyperfocusing.”
12. “How To Deal With Hyperfixations,” HealthMatch, last modified 22 September 2022.
13. Allie Sadowski, “Understanding ADHD and Hyperfixations,” findmytherapist, last modified 17 February 2025.
14. Matthew Adams, “Why Neurodivergent Individuals Hyperfixate,” News-medical, accessed 23 July 2025. 
15. Adams “Why Neurodivergent Individuals Hyperfixate.”
16. Alexandra Cromer, “Hyperfixation: What Is It and How to Manage It,” Thriveworks, last modified 13 June 2025.
17. Cromer, “Hyperfixations: What Is It and How to Manage It.”
18. Nygaard, “Hyperfixations: What It Is and How To Combat Hyperfocusing.”
19. Nygaard, “Hyperfixations: What It Is and How To Combat Hyperfocusing.”
20. Cromer, “Hyperfixations: What Is It and How to Manage It.”
21. Cromer, “Hyperfixations: What Is It and How to Manage It.”