5/28/2023 0 Comments Hyperfocus ocd“I know sometimes the BDD came out of me putting off work. Despite being muscular, he perceived himself as looking “puny.” Meanwhile, his homework was not getting done. He reported that his obsession with his muscle mass also fed into his procrastination issues related to his ADHD. If he did not like what he saw, he would start lifting weights in his room. He was diagnosed with muscle dysmorphia. He would get anxious and need to view them in the mirror. Eddie, 17, while doing homework, found himself touching his arms constantly to see if his biceps were getting bigger. People with ADHD crave instant feedback, which body image-related behaviors give, although it is a slippery slope between helpful feedback and becoming obsessed. It is all about a concrete number. It is easy to measure whether I am up or down. I feel like I am in limbo. But focusing on my weight is grounding for me. It is so hard to get through an assignment that it never feels well done. ![]() Struggling with both ADHD and weight dissatisfaction (despite being at a normal, healthy weight) Marisol, 24, says, “I don’t always judge accurately whether I have done something well or not. One can, at least temporarily, shut out the world when they are focused on a number on a scale or a perception in the mirror. This hyperfocus can lead to an overemphasis on the body or a part of the body. That is what started the road of my exercise addiction.” I feel if I look better, people will like me more regardless of the fact that I can hardly carry a conversation. “I can be socially awkward and turn women off with my interrupting and random associations. At least if I look good, maybe that will make up for my deficits.”Įdward, 29, feels similarly when it comes to the way ADHD affects his social skills. I feel like getting perfect skin is my way of trying to get success. I research skin cleansers when I should be doing work. ![]() I check mirrors constantly to make sure my skin looks smooth and clean. I felt like my appearance was the only thing I can control. “I feel like a failure every day about something. ![]() Frank has struggled with ADHD and also has been diagnosed with BDD, where he is preoccupied with the appearance of his skin. There are many unhealthy ways those with ADHD can deal with these feelings, and this includes a hyperfocus on one’s body image. “The hyperactivity, the problems with following through on projects, it is just too much.” ADHD often leads to feeling out of control. Often times the ADHD goes undiagnosed since symptoms are framed solely under the OCD diagnosis.įrank (a pseudonym), 36, reports feeling chronically stressed due to ADHD. Studies find that as many as 30% of those with OCD may also have ADHD. It should be noted that there is significant comorbidity of ADHD and OCD. Learning disabilities (such as dyslexia) affect 50%–60% of people with ADHD. Control, self-monitoring, and learning from mistakes.Transitioning from one thing to another. ![]() Poor executive functioning, including issues with: Impulse control habits (overeating, substance use, addictive behaviors, etc.).Mentally racing, multiple thoughts at once.Hard time sitting through long classes/sessions.Drawn to thrill seeking/stimulating activities.The symptoms of ADHD generally fall into four categories: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and poor executive functioning. Here are features of each: Unfortunately, some doubt the validity of the diagnosis, which only further stigmatizes people. There are many misconceptions about ADHD. Body dysmorphic disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Īlthough not yet recognized in the scientific literature, the relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is worthy of attention. As a specialist in treating patients with BDD, as well as an ADHD expert, I have observed how ADHD can have a negative impact on body image.
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