Tag: Hyperfocus

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has become one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. ADHD is generally diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. In recent years, Adult Attention Deficit Disorder has gained recognition. ADHD presents as difficulty with attending to task, impulse control (acting without thinking about consequences of the behavior), and difficulty being still and calm. A person with ADHD may exhibit predominantly inattentive behavior (ADD), predominantly hyperactive behavior (HD), or the combination of the two (ADHD). Persons with ADHD often are challenged in getting along with peers, keeping track of their belongings, remembering, being able to not talk or be still in appropriate settings, taking turns in games or conversations.

Hyperfocus is not considered a diagnosis in itself in the DSM-5. It is in fact, according to “Psychology Today”, an interesting and seemingly contradictory, symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder. Hyperfocus is an unwavering fixation on a topic or event, complete submersion. This fixation causes the individual to lose all attention to self-care, relationships, and other necessary activities, so all-encompassing is the focus on the event or topic. Should an interpersonal relationship become the object of hyperfocus, serious implications often arise.

Contrary to what the general public may think when observing a child with ADHD, consumption of sweets, excessive television, poor parenting are not believed to be associated with the condition. Risk factors include low birth weight, premature delivery, brain injury, substance use during pregnancy, and exposure to environmental dangers such as lead, according to CDC. Treatment consists of medication and psychotherapies. Adult ADHD is treated in the same manner.

Relevance to National Paranormal Society: Medication used to treat ADHD, in some cases may have side effects including: confusion; feeling that surroundings are not real; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; sudden loud verbal outbursts or body movements. The first three side effects noted may cause a person to feel that there is something haunting them. The latter two may cause others to suspect possession. It should be noted that these side effects are not among the most common to these medications.