We also see people with ADD hyperfocusing on an activity, like rockclimbing or driving or work, probably because it allows them to forget about the expectations associated with “time.” Our patients frequently report that they are their most calm when completely caught up in the thrill of it all, whatever the “all” may be. It could be fun, a catastrophe, or a life-or-death crisis. These situations allow the ADD person not only to get into forward motion, but also to forget, to disregard that they need brakes in the first place. In an emergency, it’s full speed ahead. What a relief.
