Overtalking: A Possible Sign of Underlying Mental Health Conditions
By Emily Joshu, Health Reporter for DailyMail.com
Published: 22:12 19 Oct 2023, Updated: 22:24 19 Oct 2023
If you’re constantly getting in trouble for talking or rattling on about specific topics, you could have a mental health condition. Overtalking, also known as compulsive talking or oversharing, is exactly what it sounds like. It involves talking for long periods without letting another person speak, rambling about special interests, or interrupting someone to get your thoughts in. Experts have found that overtalking can be a sign of certain mental health conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and autism.
Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein, a licensed therapist in Florida, explains, “It’s not a bidirectional conversation. It’s more of a monologue. You’re talking to someone else but not allowing for the other person to contribute to the conversation, so you aren’t as aware of their desire to pop in or their interest. A lot of people aren’t even aware that they’re overtalking, and once they are aware, it’s a huge wake-up moment.”
Mental Health Conditions Associated with Overtalking
Overtalking alone is not indicative of a mental health condition, but below are four conditions that may cause overtalking:
- Autism: Autism, characterized by problems with social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors and interests, may lead to overtalking in some individuals. While overtalking alone does not automatically indicate autism, it is a behavior that autistic individuals may display.
- ADHD: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a cause of overtalking. People with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity and reduced inhibition, leading to excessive talking and interrupting others.
- Anxiety: While it’s commonly believed that individuals with social anxiety are quiet or have difficulty starting conversations, overtalking is actually a common characteristic of this condition. Talking excessively can be a coping mechanism to avoid silence and dispel nervous energy associated with anxiety.
- Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder can cause rapid or erratic speech known as pressured speech. During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may talk very quickly and struggle to articulate their thoughts coherently due to racing thoughts.
If you suspect you or someone you know may be experiencing overtalking or any of the above mental health conditions, it is important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes can effectively manage these conditions and improve quality of life.
