Why do they interrupt conversations?

PostedSeptember 30, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If you’ve ever wondered why someone with ADHD interrupting keeps cutting in mid-sentence, you’re not alone. ADHD interrupting isn’t about rudeness or a lack of interest; it’s often rooted in impulsivity and difficulty with self-regulation. Many people with ADHD genuinely struggle with holding back thoughts in the moment, especially in fast-moving conversations.

This type of behaviour is one of several common ADHD communication issues. Social etiquette often relies on unwritten rules; waiting for a pause, reading facial cues, resisting the urge to speak all of which can be particularly hard for someone whose brain processes information differently. Interruptions, in this case, are usually not intentional but a reflection of the brain’s pace and the pressure to get a thought out before it vanishes.

Communication Challenges Linked to ADHD

Impulsivity

This is the engine behind many interruptions. It feels like a thought bursts forward without warning. The urge to speak up can overpower the usual social etiquette filters, especially when the person is excited or trying to connect.

Working memory struggles

In the moment, someone with ADHD might fear forgetting their point if they wait too long. So they interrupt, not to dominate the conversation, but to preserve their idea before it slips away.

Difficulty reading social cues

Not all ADHD presentations include this, but some individuals may miss signals that someone else isn’t done speaking or that a topic shift isn’t welcome.

Understanding these ADHD communication issues helps reframe what looks like poor manners as a neurological trait. With the right strategies and support, many people learn to manage these moments more effectively over time.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Social Relationships.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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.