It is distinguished from stereotypy (a highly repetitive idiosyncratic behaviour).

In some cases, it is referred to as perseveration -an inability or impairment in switching tasks or activities (' set-shifting'), or desisting from mental or physical response repetition (gestures, words, thoughts) despite absence or cessation of a stimulus. Hyperfocus may in some cases also be symptomatic of a psychiatric condition. However, unlike hyperfocus, 'flow' is often described in more positive terms, suggesting they are not two sides of the same condition under contrasting circumstance or intellect. In some circumstances, both flow and hyperfocus can be an aid to achievement, but in other circumstances, the same focus and behavior could be a liability, distracting from the task at hand.

Hyperfocus may bear a relationship to the concept of flow. Psychiatrically, it is considered to be a trait of ADHD together with inattention, and it has been proposed as a trait of other conditions, such as schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Hyperfocus on a certain subject can cause side-tracking away from assigned or important tasks. In some individuals, various subjects or topics may also include daydreams, concepts, fiction, the imagination, and other objects of the mind.

Hyperfocus is an intense form of mental concentration or visualization that focuses consciousness on a subject, topic, or task. It is under study but not empirically proven. The psychological theory around brain lateralization has been considered around hyperfocus as a mental health symptom.