One of the first things I learned after being diagnosed as an adult with ADHD was that there were many symptoms of the disorder that I did not even realize were actual symptoms of ADHD. One of the biggest surprises to me was the symptom of "hyperfocus". ADHD by name alone indicates a "deficit" or inability to concentrate and focus. However, hyperfocus is a symptom of ADHD that is often overlooked. Hyperfocus is when you are so concentrated and focused on something, that you block out everything else and work on whatever that task is continuously. For me personally, my artistic endeavors, hobbies, and crafts, have always been big passions for me. I can recall many times where I would spend hours on an art project or hobby and completely lose track of time. Often, this would lead me to forget important things like taking a break to eat dinner, sleeping, or even doing my homework or other important tasks that needed my attention. Hyperfocus in persons with ADHD happens because as individuals, when we are really interested or passionate about something, we get so excited about it that we want to pour every waking minute into that topic. The old story about the person with ADHD who never finishes projects to completion could be the remnants of hyperfocus. I can remember so many times when I was younger where I would come up with a story idea, and then only write half the story. I'd come back to it years late and think, "why didn't I finish this awesome short story?". This is the constant struggle for persons living with ADHD. Our inability to prioritize tasks in order of importance, and also being motivated to continue tasks to completion, is our biggest downfall.
Something else I find interesting about the concept of hyperfocus is that it bears a strong resemblance to the concept of "mania" in bipolar disorder. It is often the case that many people (but not all), may have comorbid conditions. This means that they might have ADHD and bipolar disorder. Sometimes (but not always), someone may be misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder as a teenager, only to discover in their late 20s and 30s that they actually have ADHD. The problem with this is the fact that those who were misdiagnosed probably were taking mood stabilizers and other medications to control the supposed bipolar symptoms, when in reality they had ADHD. Because of this, those who are misdiagnosed usually have to continue taking the bipolar medicine in addition to the new ADHD medicine because their brain chemistry is already used to those previous medicines. However, the good news, or slightly good news, is that many of the medications that help those with bipolar disorder also act on chemicals in the brain that need help in persons with ADHD. However, most people find that stimulant medication is the most effective medication in the treatment of ADHD.
Personally, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a teen. Statistics have shown that women are much more likely to be overlooked and/or misdiagnosed early on, while males are more likely to be diagnosed properly with ADHD early on. Part of this reason is because most males' symptoms manifest outwardly, whereas most females with ADHD manifest their symptoms internally. It fascinates me because sometimes I think "All this time I thought it was mania, but it really might have just been hyperfocus". Currently, I am not sure if I actually do have bipolar disorder, or if it was a misdiagnosis early on. I think because I have been taking bipolar medications for so long (about 12 years to be exact), that my brain chemistry has changed to the point that without those medications I would have mood issues at this point. I cannot, however, discount that the reason I was diagnosed bipolar was because my most prominent symptoms in my youth were related to fluctuations in mood. Whether those were environmental or biological fluctuations in mood, I'm not sure at this time. Whatever the case may be, if you do have a dual diagnosis, that's ok. The important thing is to recognize what you need help with, talk with your therapist, and get the appropriate help when needed.
To me, hyperfocus is a blessing and a curse. I can see how hyperfocus could lead to manic episodes in those with mood disorders. I can also see how persons with ADHD just have a different brain and a different way of thinking. The way we look at the world is unique, and we tend to think outside of the box. Sometimes, this creativity is a beautiful thing and comes in handy with hyperfocus. Other times, it keeps us from being able to function in life because we are prioritizing one thing over everything else.
If you are interested in learning more about hyperfocus and other specific symptoms of ADHD that you might not have heard of, I strongly suggest you read the book "You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy? The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder" by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo. This book gave me so much insight into adult ADD/ADHD and helped me not feel alone in all of the things I've struggled with all my life. Even for those that don't have ADHD, this book can be valuable and gives great insights into the world of "adulting" and how to be more efficient and mindful of your productivity in life.
Here is the Amazon link to the book: You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults w/ Attention Deficit Disorder): Kelly, Kate, Ramundo, Peggy, Hallowell M.D., Edward M.: 9780743264488: Amazon.com: Books
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