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Can social skills training reduce interruption behaviours in ADHD? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Interrupting others in mid-conversation is one of the most recognisable communication challenges in ADHD. It often stems from impulsivity, rapid thought processing, and difficulty in self-regulating in social settings. According to NICE ADHD guidance (NG87, 2025 update), structured social skills training (SST) and group-based psychoeducation can help adults with ADHD strengthen impulse control and improve conversational awareness, reducing interruption behaviours over time. 

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How social skills training works 

Social skills training focuses on improving practical, real-world interactions, such as listening, turn-taking, and recognising social cues. Sessions typically include role-play, group discussion, and feedback designed to help individuals pause before speaking and respond more thoughtfully. 

Evidence from a 2024 Frontiers in Psychiatry review show that CBT-informed SST and mindfulness-based group interventions significantly improve self-regulation, emotional awareness, and communication control in adults with ADHD. These effects are strongest when training occurs in a social setting, where participants can practise new behaviours in real time. 

What the evidence shows 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych, 2022) highlights SST and communication programmes as key components of ADHD management, helping adults build emotional regulation and active listening skills. Similarly, the NHS England ADHD Taskforce Report (2025) supports access to psychoeducation and group-based communication programmes to improve social participation and reduce impulsive interruption. 

Recent Frontiers in Psychiatry study suggests that combining CBT with SST yields greater benefits than either approach alone, particularly for conversational pacing, interrupt control, and emotional balance. 

Integrating training with behavioural support 

Most clinicians agree that SST works best when integrated into a broader treatment plan that may include CBT, psychoeducation, and, if prescribed, medication. This combined approach helps individuals apply learned strategies across home, work, and social environments. 

Behavioural programmes such as Theara Change are developing evidence-based frameworks that complement NHS and NICE-aligned interventions, offering coaching and group-based support to improve communication confidence and self-regulation. 

The takeaway 

Yes, social skills training can reduce interruption behaviours in ADHD. Focusing on active listening, emotional regulation, and conversational awareness, SST helps individuals pause before responding and communicating more thoughtfully. Supported by NICE, NHS, and RCPsych guidance, this approach is an effective, evidence-based way to strengthen both confidence and connection in everyday conversations. 

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Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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