People with ADHD often go off on tangents during conversations for a variety of reasons related to the way their brains work and their cognitive processes. Here are some factors that contribute to this tendency:
Distractibility: People with ADHD have difficulty sustaining attention on a particular topic or task. They may get easily distracted by external stimuli, such as noises or visual cues, which can lead them to lose track of the main conversation and start talking about something else.
Hyperfocus: On the other hand, people with ADHD can also experience hyperfocus on topics that intensely interest them. While this may seem contradictory to distractibility, it means they become so engrossed in a subject that it's challenging for them to shift focus back to the original conversation.
Racing Thoughts: ADHD can involve a fast and non-linear thought process, where ideas and associations quickly jump from one to another. As they think and speak rapidly, they might make connections that others find hard to follow, causing them to veer off onto tangents.
Impulsivity: Impulsivity is a common trait in ADHD, and this can lead to speaking without fully thinking through what they're saying. They might blurt out things that come to mind, even if they aren't entirely relevant to the current conversation.
Working Memory: Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information in mind. People with ADHD may struggle with working memory, making it challenging for them to keep track of the main discussion points and stay on topic.
Social Anxiety: Some individuals with ADHD may feel anxious or uncomfortable in social situations. Going off on tangents might be a way to cope with social pressure or to try and keep the conversation going.
Desire for Connection: Tangents can also be a way for people with ADHD to connect with others by sharing personal experiences or related stories, even if they aren't directly related to the current topic.
Lack of External Feedback: People with ADHD may not always pick up on social cues or feedback indicating that they are going off on a tangent. This can make it challenging for them to self-regulate their conversation and stay on track.
It's essential to remember that ADHD is a neurological condition, and these tendencies are not intentional but rather a result of how their brains function. Understanding and patience from others during conversations can be helpful for individuals with ADHD to feel accepted and supported. Strategies like active listening and gently redirecting the conversation can also be beneficial in keeping discussions on track.