Flow and mental disorders

The average person tends to find flow primarily in social situations. He or she tends to feel anxious in solitude, finding it hard to experience flow while being alone.

People with mental disorders tend to find flow more easily than the average person. Often, a social situation is not required.

For example, a person with ADHD may hyperfocus while doing a puzzle, without realizing it. A person with depression may become completely caught up in an effort to find articles about depression online, without noticing that hours have passed.