ADHD Symptom Spotlight: Interrupting

Understanding the Symptom

Interrupting conversations may be a recurring experience for individuals with ADHD. While it might be perceived as rudeness or disinterest, this behavior often stems from various ADHD symptoms, such as poor impulse control, difficulty sustaining attention, and impaired working memory.

Reasons Behind Interrupting

• Impulsive Tendencies: Individuals with ADHD may struggle to control impulsive tendencies, leading to speaking out of turn or interrupting others mid-conversation.
• Difficulty Filtering Irrelevant Information: People with ADHD may find it challenging to focus on pertinent information during a conversation, causing them to interrupt with unrelated thoughts or comments.
• Working Memory Issues: Difficulty holding information in working memory can make individuals with ADHD forget what they intended to say, prompting them to interrupt to remind themselves.

When Interrupting Becomes Problematic

Occasional interruptions may be seen as a minor annoyance, but they can result in strained relationships and hurt feelings when they become frequent or intrusive. For example, interrupting can disrupt work meetings, serious discussions with partners or friends, and cause frustration for the person being interrupted. They may feel unheard, disrespected, or even disengaged from the conversation.

Communication Strategies for Managing Interruptions

If you have ADHD and find yourself interrupting others frequently, there are strategies you can adopt to manage this symptom:

• Seek Understanding: Communicate with loved ones about ADHD and its impact on interrupting behavior. Emphasize that it's a symptom, not a personal choice, and request their patience and understanding.
• Keep Interruptions Brief: When you interrupt, try to do so briefly and concisely, minimizing the disruption to the ongoing conversation.
• Encourage Continued Conversation: If you interrupt and notice signs of hurt or offense, apologize and encourage the person to continue sharing their thoughts. This shows your interest in what they have to say and values their opinion.
• Develop Specific Strategies: In serious conversations or professional settings, you may need specific strategies to avoid interrupting. Taking notes during the conversation or waiting until the speaker has finished speaking before responding can be helpful techniques.

Conclusion

Interrupting is a common ADHD symptom, but it can be managed. By comprehending the underlying causes and adopting effective communication strategies, individuals with ADHD can gain control over this symptom and cultivate stronger relationships.