Hyperfixation Test: Quickly Find Out If You Have It (Online)

Hyperfixation, often associated with neurological conditions like ADHD, Autism, OCD, and bipolar disorder, is a compelling area of psychological research. We’ve used our experience as a former mental health nurse and support from a practicing psychiatrist to design a scientifically-informed, research-backed hyperfixation test to help identify signs of hyperfixation and offer insight into its impact on daily life. While our test can hopefully provide some useful guidance and validation, a professional evaluation is always recommended for accurate treatment.

While the term “hyperfixation” is often over-used informally across social media and in some clinical contexts to describe these behaviors, it’s not officially recognized as a specific condition or symptom in the professional psychiatrist manual (DSM-IV).

Hyperfixation test information

Welcome to our online Hyperfixation Test, developed to help you gain insights into potential patterns of intense focus or preoccupation. This test is designed by a former mental health professional in collaboration with a practicing psychiatrist, using insights informed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Our user-friendly screening tool below aims to provide a preliminary understanding of your focus patterns and guide you towards professional assistance if needed. Please answer the following questions honestly and to the best of your ability without any personal biases from what you’ve seen on social media.

The Hyperfixation Test

Take our free, online hyperfixation test by answering the questions below. You don’t have to enter your personal email should you wish not to, but we do need a valid email address to send your results to. Visit www.temp-mail.org to quickly create a free, anonymous, temporary email address instead and input it below. Test responses are automatically deleted within 48 hours of receiving your diagnosis likelihood result.

About you

Email *

How old are you? *

What gender are you? *MaleFemaleNon-binaryPrefer not to say

What's your main occupation? *

This can include student, parent, family carer, unemployed etc.

Symptom presentation

Do you find it difficult to redirect your attention away from your interests or hobbies? *Yes I doUnsureNo I don't

Has anyone ever mentioned or complained about your intense focus or obsessions with specific things? *Yes they haveUnsureNo they haven't

Any tasks like at home, at school or at work.

Symptom presentation *

	Never	Rarely	Unsure	Sometimes	Always
How often do you find yourself absorbed in a specific interest, hobby, or task for extended periods of time?	NeverHow often do you find yourself absorbed in a specific interest, hobby, or task for extended periods of time? Never	RarelyHow often do you find yourself absorbed in a specific interest, hobby, or task for extended periods of time? Rarely	UnsureHow often do you find yourself absorbed in a specific interest, hobby, or task for extended periods of time? Unsure	SometimesHow often do you find yourself absorbed in a specific interest, hobby, or task for extended periods of time? Sometimes	AlwaysHow often do you find yourself absorbed in a specific interest, hobby, or task for extended periods of time? Always
How often do you lose track of time or neglect daily tasks because you're engrossed in a specific interest?	NeverHow often do you lose track of time or neglect daily tasks because you're engrossed in a specific interest? Never	RarelyHow often do you lose track of time or neglect daily tasks because you're engrossed in a specific interest? Rarely	UnsureHow often do you lose track of time or neglect daily tasks because you're engrossed in a specific interest? Unsure	SometimesHow often do you lose track of time or neglect daily tasks because you're engrossed in a specific interest? Sometimes	AlwaysHow often do you lose track of time or neglect daily tasks because you're engrossed in a specific interest? Always
How often do you feel anxious or frustrated if you can't engage with your intense interests or activities?	NeverHow often do you feel anxious or frustrated if you can't engage with your intense interests or activities? Never	RarelyHow often do you feel anxious or frustrated if you can't engage with your intense interests or activities? Rarely	UnsureHow often do you feel anxious or frustrated if you can't engage with your intense interests or activities? Unsure	SometimesHow often do you feel anxious or frustrated if you can't engage with your intense interests or activities? Sometimes	AlwaysHow often do you feel anxious or frustrated if you can't engage with your intense interests or activities? Always
Are you able to easily switch between different tasks or topics, or do you prefer to stay with one until it's thoroughly completed?	NeverAre you able to easily switch between different tasks or topics, or do you prefer to stay with one until it's thoroughly completed? Never	RarelyAre you able to easily switch between different tasks or topics, or do you prefer to stay with one until it's thoroughly completed? Rarely	UnsureAre you able to easily switch between different tasks or topics, or do you prefer to stay with one until it's thoroughly completed? Unsure	SometimesAre you able to easily switch between different tasks or topics, or do you prefer to stay with one until it's thoroughly completed? Sometimes	AlwaysAre you able to easily switch between different tasks or topics, or do you prefer to stay with one until it's thoroughly completed? Always

Affecting life *

	Not at all	A little bit	Somewhat	Quite a bit	A lot
To what extent do these intense interests make it difficult for you to focus on your work, schoolwork, or other responsibilities?	Not at allTo what extent do these intense interests make it difficult for you to focus on your work, schoolwork, or other responsibilities? Not at all	A little bitTo what extent do these intense interests make it difficult for you to focus on your work, schoolwork, or other responsibilities? A little bit	SomewhatTo what extent do these intense interests make it difficult for you to focus on your work, schoolwork, or other responsibilities? Somewhat	Quite a bitTo what extent do these intense interests make it difficult for you to focus on your work, schoolwork, or other responsibilities? Quite a bit	A lotTo what extent do these intense interests make it difficult for you to focus on your work, schoolwork, or other responsibilities? A lot

	Strongly disagree	Somewhat diagree	Neither agree or disagree	Somewhat agree	Strongly agree
How much do you agree with this statement: "I feel a sense of relief or pleasure when I can focus on my intense interest."	Strongly disagreeHow much do you agree with this statement: "I feel a sense of relief or pleasure when I can focus on my intense interest." Strongly disagree	Somewhat diagreeHow much do you agree with this statement: "I feel a sense of relief or pleasure when I can focus on my intense interest." Somewhat diagree	Neither agree or disagreeHow much do you agree with this statement: "I feel a sense of relief or pleasure when I can focus on my intense interest." Neither agree or disagree	Somewhat agreeHow much do you agree with this statement: "I feel a sense of relief or pleasure when I can focus on my intense interest." Somewhat agree	Strongly agreeHow much do you agree with this statement: "I feel a sense of relief or pleasure when I can focus on my intense interest." Strongly agree

Have you noticed any negative changes in your social life, work or school performance because of your intense focus on a particular topic or task?YesUnsureNo

Final questions

How severely do your symptoms interfere with life?

Selected Value: 1

1 = Not at all… 7 = It’s disabling

Have you ever tried to reduce the amount of time you spend on these interests or hobbies? If so, was it difficult for you?Yes… it was difficultYes… it wasn't difficultNo I haven't tried

Submit

Manage hyperfixation symptoms

Effectively managing hyperfixation often involves a combination of strategies tailored to the individual’s needs. Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help identify triggers and develop effective coping strategies. For some, medication might be recommended to address underlying conditions associated with hyperfixation, such as ADHD or OCD. Lifestyle modifications, including structured routines, mindfulness exercises, and balanced leisure activities, can also play a vital role in managing hyperfixation and improving overall mental health and well-being.

Related reading: Hyperfixation: Explaining the Power of Obsessive Focus »

Did you know that hyperfixation is a common symptom of ADHD? To assess the likelihood of you experiencing ADHD, consider taking our High Functioning ADHD Screening Test.

Hyperfixation test FAQs

What is a Hyperfixation Test?

A Hyperfixation Test is a self-assessment tool designed to help you identify potential patterns of intense focus or preoccupation, often associated with conditions like ADHD, Autism, and OCD. This test can provide a preliminary understanding of your focus patterns, but it is not a substitute for a formal diagnosis by a mental health professional.

Who should take the Hyperfixation Test?

Anyone who has noticed that they often become intensely focused on a specific task, topic, or activity to the point where it may interfere with other aspects of life might find the Hyperfixation Test helpful. Remember, the test is not a diagnostic tool but can provide insights that might be useful when speaking with a mental health professional.

Is the Hyperfixation Test a diagnostic tool?

No, the Hyperfixation Test is not a diagnostic tool. While it can provide some insights into patterns of focus and interest, it should not be used to self-diagnose any mental health condition. Only a qualified mental health professional can provide a diagnosis.

What should I do if my Hyperfixation Test results indicate potential hyperfixation?

If your test results suggest potential hyperfixation, it’s recommended that you consult with a mental health professional. They can provide a comprehensive assessment, confirm a diagnosis if applicable, and discuss appropriate treatment or management strategies.

Are the results of the Hyperfixation Test confidential?

Typically, online self-assessment tools are designed to ensure user confidentiality. However, it’s always important to read the privacy policy of the website or platform hosting the test to ensure your responses and results are kept confidential.