For avid fans of a favorite TV show, its not uncommon to spend an entire weekend dedicated to binge-watching episodes. This often includes taking brief breaks to stretch, refresh one's social media feed, or order takeout. However, for some individuals, the experience of engaging with a show can escalate to a more intense level known as hyperfixation. In this state, one may become so engrossed in the narrative that they forget basic needs such as eating or using the bathroom, completely losing track of time. They might even overlook the delivery of groceries at their doorstep, only emerging from their viewing marathon once they've completed the entire series.

Hyperfixating is focusing on something with intensity, explains Saba Harouni Lurie, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles. This intense focus can apply to various aspects of life, including hobbies, interests, or even specific people. When someone is deeply engaged, they often neglect other responsibilities or interests. As Lurie puts it, When youre very involved with it, often that means other things are going to be disregarded. To delve deeper into the experience of hyperfixation and how to manage it, we consulted with several mental health experts.

Julie Landry, a clinical psychologist who specializes in adult ADHD and autism, emphasizes that hyperfixation is not merely an intense focus; it is a far more extreme version of concentration. Most of her clients struggle with hyperfixation, a phenomenon she can personally relate to, particularly in connection with her professional work. Individuals who hyperfixate might listen to the same album on repeat, binge-watch their favorite TV series, engage in extensive training for a personal athletic goal, or dedicate hours to researching a niche interest. This level of focus can lead to discussions filled with passion, as individuals seek to learn more and spend a significant amount of time devoted to their interests.

As mentioned, hyperfixation can overshadow other responsibilities. Landry notes that neglecting personal relationships or hygiene can become common. For instance, a teenager might spend an entire day gaming without stopping to wash their hands or brush their teeth. Hyperfixation sort of sucks you in, she comments. Once youre in it, its hard to get out. The focus is so intense that any other thoughts or responsibilities fade into the background.

While anyone can experience hyperfixation, it is particularly prevalent among individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, as well as anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist at Mindpath Health, which offers both in-person and online psychiatric and therapy services, elaborates on how hyperfixation manifests differently across various conditions. For example, individuals with autism may develop deep, specialized interests that lead to extensive knowledge in specific areas. Dr. Khan recalls a patient who became fascinated with vacuum cleaners, possessing an extraordinary level of detail about the mechanics and models of various vacuums.

Interestingly, hyperfixation in people with ADHD can appear paradoxical. You would think theyd be easily distracted, explains Khan, but when it comes to certain activities they find extremely stimulating, they can become so locked in that they lose track of time, ignoring other tasks. For those struggling with OCD, hyperfixation might manifest as intense, unwanted thoughts that dominate one's day, such as compulsively cleaning to avoid contamination or fixating on a romantic interest.

While hyperfixation can seem overwhelming, experts note that its not inherently negative. It carries both advantages and challenges. The positive aspects of hyperfixation include fostering an incredible amount of passion, creativity, and potential learning. Lurie describes it as being similar to a flow state, where individuals become so immersed that they excel in their focus area. For example, a college student hyperfixated on 17th-century literature is likely to produce outstanding English papers. Many adults with autism have turned childhood hyperfixations into successful careers, allowing them to monetize their interests. If youre going to spend so much time and energy becoming an expert in something, then making it into a career is super smart, Landry asserts.

Furthermore, special interests can provide comfort and serve as a form of self-soothing. Engaging deeply in something enjoyable can feel immensely rewarding and offers a way to connect with others who share similar passions. For example, a gardening enthusiast might find community by joining a local gardening club or bonding with neighbors over the seasons harvest.

However, the challenges associated with hyperfixation can be significant. Children might fall behind in school, while adults could struggle with distractions at work or overspend on supplies for their hobbies. Social interactions can also suffer, as hyperfixated individuals may find it challenging to engage with friends or become inattentive to their needs. Often, it takes the intervention of a loved one for individuals to realize their hyperfixation is problematic. Khan recounted instances where patients shared, My spouse is complaining that all I do is garden all day, followed by an admission that they feel restless and irritable when they try to stop their obsession.

To manage hyperfixation effectively, experts recommend several strategies. Setting time limits can be particularly effective. If someone knows they are prone to getting sucked into an activity, its advisable to set a timer. Khan suggests allowing oneself a designated timesuch as one hourbefore stepping away to recharge. Dont fall into the trap of snoozing the timer, he advises. Instead, take a walk, grab a coffee, or catch up with a friend.

Involving an accountability partner can also be beneficial. If hyperfixation is impacting personal relationships, its a good idea to include a partner in activities or to engage someone close by for assistance. Maybe you really like cats, and you want to talk about cats with other people all the time, Landry notes. Thats a great interest, but not everyone wants to hear about it at the same depth. Having an accountability partner can help balance discussions.

For parents with children who exhibit hyperfixation tendencies, regular check-ins are crucial. Khan emphasizes the importance of asking, Did you forget to eat because of your game? Are your eyes hurting from too much screen time? This simple inquiry can prompt self-reflection, leading the child to recognize their own needs.

Moreover, expanding a childs interests into other meaningful pursuits can be a great way to channel hyperfixation positively. If a teenager is engrossed in Minecraft, for instance, consider introducing them to related fields like architecture or coding. You could say, Hey, lets take a break and do something fun, suggests Khan. Lets try to code a video game or build something together. By connecting hyperfixations with broader skills, children can learn and grow while still enjoying their passions.