Is hyperfocusing a trait of both ADD and OCD?

I think it's similar, but different. For me, hyperfocusing is when I'm really into a funny movie and I tune out everything else, or really into a project and tune out everything else to get it done.


For me, my OCD is obsessions, for example, I was obsessed with Beanie Babies. It wasn't one thing I was focused on for a period of time, but I was consumed with thoughts of getting each beanie baby (that was a while ago, but you get the idea).

I think of hyperfocusing on becoming highly tuned into a task and not noticing other things, while obsessing for OCD is a thought or feeling I can't get out of my mind.

Good question -- I think they have a lot of overlap. My therapist says lots of ADDers have OCD tendencies (without the full diagnosis) because they share a genetic pathway. I'm definately one of those that tends to obsess, hyperfocus or whatever you want to call it.

Thomas Brown says in Attention Deficit Disorder that ADDers don't just have trouble starting and stopping but in shifting and steering. I think that tendency to get stuck in a loop is pretty familiar territory to both OCD and ADD.

Scattered

I forgot to say, hyperfocusing for my ADHD can be fun and can be things I like.

Obsessing for my OCD is never fun and I don't like it and can't turn it off.

Good point chloe! me too!

hyperfocusing is strictly an adhd trait. BUT. people with ADHD frequently have anxiety disorders, so being a little (or a lot) obsessive is not unusual for an ADDer... keep in mind that hyperfocusing and obsessive behavior are two different things and should not be confused wiith each other.

ME :D


Is hyperfocusing a trait of both ADD and OCD?

I totally agree, Chloe. When I was younger I would call my obsessions with famous people my "positive obsessions" while all my dark obsessive fears that plagued me were my "negative obsessions."