Is 'Flow' the same as hyper focus? | ADHD | Episode 72

The positive psychology concept of "flow" and ADHD hyper-focus describe the same state. Find out what we know about turning on and turning off hyperfocus.

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[jonathanberry]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:11 🧠 *Flow State and Hyperfocus Introduction*
- Flow state and hyperfocus appear to be the same brain state.
- Positive psychology studies flow, and it's similar to hyperfocus in ADHD.
- The linkage implies that anyone, not just those with ADHD, can experience this state.
01:24 🌟 *Flow State Definition and Characteristics*
- Flow state is a state of being energized, focused, and present.
- Characteristics of the flow state include absorption in a task, loss of sense of time, intensity, and relaxation.
- It's observed in various fields like art, athletics, and the workforce.
04:30 ⚡ *Flow State in ADHD and Its Challenges*
- People with ADHD can also experience hyperfocus, which can be framed as both a superpower and a problem.
- Hyperfocus can lead to a lack of awareness of the outside world and a focus on the wrong tasks.
- ADHD individuals may struggle with social connections and team engagement during hyperfocus.
06:06 🔄 *Characteristics and Preconditions of Flow State*
- Six characteristics of the flow state include being present, merging action and awareness, loss of self-reflection, personal control, time distortion, and intrinsic reward.
- Preconditions for entering the flow state include clear goals, immediate feedback, and a match between perceived challenge and skill level.
12:30 🧠 *Theories on the Flow State*
- Three theories about the flow state: information processing (hypofrontal), attentional, and reward-attention synchrony.
- Limited research on the flow state in the brain due to challenges in measuring it during intense activities.
16:39 🧐 *Traits and Tips for Inducing Flow State*
- Traits linked to experiencing the flow state: curiosity, intrinsic motivation, persistence, and low egotism.
- Tips for inducing the flow state include finding intrinsic motivation, removing distractions, honing skills, and strengthening metacognitive skills.
19:50 🚫 *Downsides and Managing Flow State, Especially in ADHD*
- Downsides of the flow state include potential addiction and hyperfocusing on unproductive tasks.
- Managing flow state in ADHD involves setting boundaries, using alarms, and involving your social network to help you exit the state.
24:22 👋 *Conclusion and Future Topics*
- The flow state in ADHD and its potential benefits and challenges have been discussed.
- The next topic to be addressed is CBT for ADHD in the upcoming episode.

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[internetgevalletje]

after watching this video I subscribed. Thank you.

[MrMikenza]

Great analysis on the hyperfocus phenomenon. I was diagnosed with adhd 2 weeks ago at the age of 30 and I can say that your video helped me in my understanding, functional knowledge makes the most difference in managing adhd hyperfocus from destructive to gradually become an ally. Best regards.

[calumjohnston]

Thank you so much for making this video :)

[chrisnyquist]

Dr.John Kruse, please let me share with you my experience. Flow is effortless, everything just seems to fall into place. Hyper-focus is similar, but not effortless, it is being locked into a topic so strongly that you don't want to leave.
When in hyper-focus and someone wants to pull you out, anger comes naturally. While disruptions are upsetting in flow, they don't cause the anger.
Addiction to flow state is real, why wouldn't you want to live in a state where everything turns out well, effortlessly.
While I enjoy your videos, I would appreciate if you kept your politics out of them because there are (at least) two sides to every argument, and that's not why we're here.