A common social habit, characterized by interrupting conversations to share personal stories, may indicate the presence of adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to experts, such behavior can disrupt relationships and hinder professional success. While occasional slips in conversation are normal, chronic interruption may warrant a closer examination of potential underlying issues, including ADHD or anxiety.
Dr. Michael Antshel, a clinical psychologist, explains that ADHD affects executive functioning, which is crucial for regulating thoughts, emotions, and actions. This impairment can lead individuals to interrupt others frequently, driven by impulsivity and challenges in self-monitoring. “The interruptions occur quite often, and it tends to be due to a combination of impulsivity and lower self-monitoring,” Antshel stated.
Individuals with ADHD often struggle with strong emotions, making it difficult to maintain a balanced dialogue. Unlike their neurotypical counterparts, they may not wait for natural pauses in conversations before interjecting. This impulsivity, a well-documented symptom of ADHD, can result in one-sided discussions, particularly when feelings of excitement, anxiety, or stress are heightened.
Marcy Caldwell, a clinical psychologist and founder of The Center for ADHD, elaborates on the concept of working memory, comparing it to a table with limited space for thoughts. “People with ADHD have a smaller ‘working memory table,’ with less room to manage their ideas,” Caldwell noted. As a result, they may interject their thoughts out of fear that they will forget them before they can share them appropriately. In such cases, even subtle cues from conversation partners may go unnoticed due to the individual’s preoccupation with organizing their thoughts.
This habit of interjecting can often be misconstrued as self-absorption. However, it is more accurately a manifestation of the individual’s attempts to connect rather than an expression of egotism. Caldwell points out that many people with ADHD have low self-esteem stemming from past social challenges, making them eager to prove their worth. “Many people with ADHD just don’t know the social dance,” said Terry Matlen, founder of ADDConsults.
While not everyone who occasionally interrupts has ADHD, the severity and frequency of the behavior are critical factors in determining whether professional help is needed. Antshel warns that exposure to ADHD content on social media can lead individuals to misidentify their symptoms, potentially diminishing the experiences of those genuinely diagnosed with the disorder. “There is no such thing as conversation-specific ADHD,” he cautioned.
For individuals who recognize these patterns in themselves, there are practical strategies to improve conversational skills. Seeking feedback from trusted friends or family members can help individuals assess their tendencies to interrupt. If necessary, maintaining a notebook to jot down thoughts can provide a means to remember ideas without derailing the conversation.
Structured support groups, such as those available through add.org, offer valuable techniques, including paraphrasing and practicing pauses in conversation. Caldwell emphasizes the importance of the environment in which conversations take place, encouraging individuals to engage in discussions in calmer settings to minimize distractions.
Ultimately, the journey to better conversational skills requires practice and mindfulness. Antshel likens this effort to building muscle, stating, “If you want to get better at not interrupting, what do you need to do? You need to practice not interrupting.” With the right strategies and support, individuals can improve their communication skills, fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
As awareness of ADHD continues to grow, understanding its impact on social interactions becomes increasingly vital. For those experiencing disruptive patterns in conversation, recognizing the symptoms and seeking guidance can pave the way for enhanced interpersonal connections.
