What Is Hyperfocus? Understanding This Powerful Mental State and How Expert Therapy Can Help You Harness It

As a highly experienced clinical medical hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, counsellor, and registered nutritionist practising functional medicine with over 20 years of dedicated service to children and adults, I understand the complexities of mental focus and attention. Based in Limerick, Cork and ONLINE serving surrounding areas such as Newcastle West Limerick, Adare, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal Cork, Cork City, and providing online therapy services in Ireland and worldwide.  I’m here to help you navigate challenges related to hyperfocus, ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns with compassionate, evidence-based care.

What Is Hyperfocus? A Deep Dive into Intense Concentration

Hyperfocus is an intense mental state characterised by extreme concentration on a single task or activity to the exclusion of everything else. This state—often called a “flow state”—allows a person to become deeply immersed in what they are doing, losing track of time and environmental distractions.

While hyperfocus is commonly associated with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia, it is not a clinical diagnosis. Instead, anyone, regardless of diagnosis, can experience hyperfocus under the right conditions.

How Hyperfocus Differs from Special Interests and Hyperfixation

Understanding the difference between hyperfocus, special interests, and hyperfixation is important, especially when seeking professional support.

  • Hyperfocus: A temporary, intense state of deep concentration, often task-driven and goal-oriented.

  • Special Interests: Long-term, passionate interests, especially common in people with ASD.

  • Hyperfixation: Extended emotional preoccupation with an activity or topic, often lasting days or weeks, frequently seen in ADHD.

If you’re experiencing difficulty managing hyperfocus or its impact on your life, expert therapy for ADHD or counselling services in Limerick and Cork can provide personalised strategies to help you regain balance.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Hyperfocus

Recognising hyperfocus is the first step towards managing it. You might notice:

  • Difficulty shifting your attention away from tasks

  • Losing awareness of time and surroundings

  • Neglecting personal needs, such as eating or social interaction

  • Getting absorbed in repetitive activities like reading, drawing, or puzzles for hours

  • Failing to respond when others try to get your attention

If these signs resonate, consulting a therapist in Newcastle West Limerick, Youghal Cork, or online can help you develop practical coping techniques.

Hyperfocus and ADHD: What Does the Research Say?

Though hyperfocus is not exclusive to ADHD, studies show adults with ADHD traits report it more frequently. However, people with ADHD are often less likely to hyperfocus in social or educational settings, indicating its complex nature. [1]

This paradox highlights the need for expert assessment and tailored interventions. As a psychotherapist, Nutritionist and clinical Medical Hypnotherapist in Limerick, and Youghal Cork and ONLINE,  I utilise a range of therapeutic tools, including hypnosis and functional medicine nutrition, CBT, Counselling to support clients in improving focus, managing ADHD and Neurodivergent symptoms, and enhancing mental wellbeing, energy and mood.

How Hyperfocus Manifests Across Different Conditions

Research indicates hyperfocus presents differently depending on the individual’s neurological or psychological profile:

  • In ADHD: Intense focus often arises during rewarding or stimulating tasks. Despite general distractibility, those with ADHD may sustain attention exceptionally well in specific scenarios.

  • In ASD: Hyperfocus overlaps with special interests and often leads to difficulties transitioning between tasks due to anxiety triggered by unpredictability.

  • In Schizophrenia: Hyperfocusing might be non-goal-directed and involve narrowing attention on specific sensory inputs or thoughts.

My multidisciplinary approach, combining counselling for anxiety, clinical hypnotherapy, and nutrition, is tailored to address these nuances in children, teenagers and adults from Cork, Midleton, Adare, Newcastle West Limerick and beyond.

The Impact of Hyperfocus on Daily Life and Wellbeing

Hyperfocus triggers the brain’s dopamine reward system, boosting motivation, energy, and positivity. This can enhance productivity, creativity, and enjoyment in tasks that captivate your interest.

However, unchecked hyperfocus may lead to challenges:

  • Neglecting self-care and social relationships

  • Difficulty switching tasks or completing other responsibilities

  • Perfectionism and increased stress levels, food issues and more

These challenges can undermine physical, emotional and mental health, making professional support essential. I offer specialised mental health services in Limerick and online counselling that empower you to harness hyperfocus productively while maintaining balance.

How our Therapy Services Can Help You Manage Hyperfocus and Improve Mental Health

1. Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, RTT and Clinical Hypnotherapy for Focus and Anxiety

Hypnotherapy is a powerful, evidence-based method for altering subconscious patterns affecting concentration and stress. It promotes relaxation, improves attention, and reduces anxiety that can trigger hyperfocus episodes.

As a clinical hypnotherapist serving Newcastle West Limerick, Cork, and online, I tailor hypnotic techniques for adults, teenagers and children, helping them gain control over focus and mental clarity.

2. Psychotherapy and Counselling Tailored to You

Through compassionate psychotherapy and counselling, I help clients explore underlying emotional triggers, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.

Whether you need counselling for ADHD, anxiety, or trauma, my approach adapts to your unique needs, providing effective tools to manage hyperfocus and improve daily functioning.

3. Registered Nutritionist Using Functional Medicine

Nutrition plays a crucial role in brain health and focus. Using functional medicine principles, I assess and recommend personalised nutrition plans that support neurotransmitter balance, reduce inflammation, and optimise cognitive function.

This integrative approach complements hypnotherapy and psychotherapy for a holistic path to mental wellness.

Why Choose Me as Your Therapist or Psychologist in Limerick and Cork?

With over 20 years of experience working with diverse populations—including children and adults—I bring a depth of expertise and empathy to every session. My practice spans:

  • Therapist in Newcastle West Limerick and Adare, Youghal Cork and ONLINE

  • Psychotherapy and Counselling, CBT  in Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, Newcastle West Limerick and ONLINE

  • Counselling services in Youghal Cork Charleville Midleton, Newcastle West Limerick and online

  • Mental health services specialising in ADHD, Neurodivergent,  food issues, mood, stress, anxiety, and focus issues

My dedication to ongoing professional development and evidence-based care ensures you receive the highest standard of support.

Flexible Online Therapy to Suit Your Lifestyle

Understanding the need for accessibility and convenience, I offer comprehensive online therapy services that bring expert care right to your home. Whether you are in Limerick, Cork, or further afield, my online sessions provide flexible, confidential support tailored to your schedule.

This service is perfect for busy adults, parents seeking support for their children, or anyone looking for effective therapy without travel constraints.

Take the First Step: Book Your Appointment Today

If hyperfocus, ADHD, anxiety, or focus-related challenges are impacting your life, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention with a qualified therapist can transform your experience and wellbeing.

Contact me today to schedule a consultation in Limerick, Newcastle West, Youghal Cork, or via my secure online platform. Together, we’ll develop a personalised plan combining hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling, and nutrition to help you thrive.

Ready to reclaim your focus and wellbeing?

Call Claire now or book your appointment online for expert Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, Nutritionist, Psychotherapy, and Counselling in Limerick, Cork, Newcastle West, Adare, Dungarven, Midleton and Youghal, and online.

Your journey to balanced mental health starts here with Claire Russell Therapy 

Contact Claire for a chat or text Claire to arrange a call back or to book and appointment today.

Academic and Scientific References

  1. Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. Guilford Press.

  2. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.

  3. Antshel, K. M., & Barkley, R. A. (2020). Executive Functioning in ADHD. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29(1), 77-92.

  4. Volkow, N. D., Wang, G.-J., Fowler, J. S., & Telang, F. (2009). Imaging dopamine’s role in drug abuse and addiction. Neuropharmacology, 56, 3-8.

  5. Meyer, A., Lerner, M. D., & Abrams, K. (2017). Hyperfocus in ADHD: An attentional paradox. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(3), 343–354.

  6. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

Hyperfocus in ADHD & Related Conditions

  1. Ishii et al., “Hyperfocus symptom and internet addiction in individuals with ADHD” — PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10061009/

  2. Hupfeld et al., “Hyperfocus: the forgotten frontier of attention” — PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851038/

  3. Groen et al., “Testing the relation between ADHD and hyperfocus experiences” (2020) — Research in Dev Disabilities: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37009127/

  4. Hupfeld et al., “Hyperfocus in ADHD” — Frontiers in Young Minds (2021): https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2021.625433/pdf

  5. Osborne et al., “Validation of the dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D)” — Scientific Reports (2024): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-70028-y

  6. Ayers‑Glassey & Smilek, “Relations between hyperfocus and adult ADHD symptoms” — Current Psychology (2024): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_(ADHD)#cite_note-…

  7. Shah & Abagis, “Living ‘in the zone’: hyperfocus in adult ADHD” — ADHD Attention Deficit Disorders (2019): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_(ADHD)#cite_note-…

  8. Ozel‑Kizil et al., “Hyperfocusing as a dimension of adult ADHD” — Research in Dev Disabilities (2016): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_(ADHD)#cite_note-…

  9. Hallowell & Ratey, “Healing ADD” (1998) — Simon & Schuster: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperfocus#cite_note-…

  10. “ADHD Hyperfocus: The Secret Weapon…” — CHADD.org: https://add.org/adhd‑hyperfocus/

Hyperfocus in Autism & Schizophrenia References

  1. Ashinoff & Abu‑Akel, “Hyperfocus or flow? Attentional strengths in autism spectrum disorder” (2022) — PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9579965/

  2. Moreno‑Nicholson, “Hyper‑focus, sticky attention…” (2023) — Wiley Online Library: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.3174

  3. Thoma, “In a State of Flow” — Autistic Adults Flow Study (2023): https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2023.0032

  4. IOMC, “Neurophysiological cause of autism” (2019): https://www.iomcworld.org/open-access/the-neurophysiological-cause-of-autism-56090.html

  5. Murray & Lawson, “Attention, monotropism and autism” (2005): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotropism

  6. Barttfeld et al., “Connectivity patterns in ASD” (2012): https://arxiv.org/abs/1211.4766

  7. Barttfeld et al., “Big‑world network in ASD” (2010): https://arxiv.org/abs/1007.5471

Trans-Diagnostic & Conceptual Hyper Focus Reviews and papers including Hyperfocus Questionnaire study summarised

  1. Abagis et al., “Trans-diagnostic investigation of attention, hyper-focus…” (2024): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241237883

  2. Psychological Research (2021) “Hyperfocus: the forgotten frontier of attention”: https://d-nb.info/1203973683/34

  3. Hupfeld questionnaire study summarised: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363595013_Hyperfocus_or_flow_Attentional_strengths_in_autism_spectrum_disorder

Reviews & Educational Summaries

  1. Verywell Mind, “How Hyperfocus Affects People With ADHD” (2007-2024): https://www.verywellmind.com/hyperfocus-and-add-20464

  2. Verywell Mind, “Benefits of Having ADHD” (2021): https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-benefits-advantages-challenges-and-tips-5199254

  3. Verywell Health, “ADHD and Hyperfocus: Understanding the Relationship” (2024): https://www.verywellhealth.com/adhd-hyperfocus-8417225

  4. ADD.org, “ADHD Hyperfocus: Secret Weapon…” (2025?): https://add.org/adhd-hyperfocus/

Foundational Concepts & Context

  1. Csikszentmihalyi, “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” (1990) – general flow state introduction

  2. Wikipedia, “Hyperfocus” overview (updated 6 days ago): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperfocus

  3. Wikipedia, “Monotropism” – autism-related attention focus (3 months ago): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotropism

  4. Wikipedia, “Special interest (autism)” (last week): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_interest_(autism)

✅ Scientific References

  • ADHD–hyperfocus spectrum from questionnaire validation to clinical outcomes.

  • Includes research on autism and schizophrenia, showing hyperfocus transcends diagnoses.

  • Offering cross-diagnostic insights with meta-reviews and conceptual papers for your interest!

  • Mixed empirical journals, open-access PDFs, and educational summaries for your easy and accessible reading!