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Living with Adult ADHD HealthyPlace: ADHD and Perseveration

11/30/2017

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November 30, 2017 at 10:00AM

People with ADHD sometimes exhibit signs of perseveration, which is sometimes confused with hyperfocus. Read more to learn about perseveration and ADHD.

I first heard the term “perseveration” in a lecture by psychologist Russell Barkley about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and hyperfocus. People with ADHD struggle with boredom, but they can often focus on things they enjoy. In fact, they can focus too much, obsessing over one thing and ignoring other subjects and tasks. Barkley suggests that ADHDers do not hyperfocus, as people with autism do, but perseverate. He defines perseveration as the inability to stop doing an activity at an appropriate time. 

ADHD, Perseveration, and Hyperfocus

Many ADHDers describe their ability to “hyperfocus” as a superpower, but Barkley states that perseveration in ADHD is never an asset. I do not necessarily agree with him because people with ADHD can create, accomplish, and discover great things due to their obsessions. However, it is true that hyperfocusing can create burnout and make people less productive than if they were able to approach tasks in a more balanced manner.

Video of Noelle Matteson Discussing Perseveration and ADHD 

Barkley’s comment got me thinking about what perseveration actually is and how it applies to those with and without ADHD. In the video, I talk about the definition of perseveration and some of its symptoms. 

Sources

  1. Merriam-Webster. Definition of Perseverance.
  2. Merriam-Webster. Definition of Perseveration.
  3. Russell Barkley. Dr. Russell Barkley and ADHD Hyperfocus.
  4. Snagglebox: Autism Resources and Support. Bec Oakley. What’s the Deal with Perseveration?

by Noelle Matteson
via Living with Adult ADHD – HealthyPlace
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     Today, NAMI Tulsa is heavily focused on education, support groups, public policy, training, and we have developed lasting relationships with many local, state, and national agencies for the betterment of the care of our mentally ill.

    The views expressed in these columns come from independent sources and are not necessarily the position of NAMI Tulsa. We encourage public engagement in the issues and seek good journalistic sources which advance the discussion for an improved society which fosters recovery from mental health challenges.

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    2017 President of NAMI Tulsa.
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