Kevin Antshel, professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University, was featured in a Huffington Post article examining how interrupting conversations with personal stories could be a sign of adult ADHD. The piece discusses how this behavior, while often seen as empathetic, can become disruptive when it frequently derails conversations.

In the article, Antshel explains that the key issue isn’t the behavior itself, but whether it interferes with daily functioning.

“These are symptoms we all experience, but to me, it isn’t the symptoms that people should look at as much as it should be the functioning that is impacted,” he said. He noted that ADHD affects executive functioning — the brain’s system for managing thoughts, emotions and actions — which can make it harder to regulate impulses and maintain social boundaries.

Antshel highlighted how these challenges can affect relationships and workplace success, offering insight into how ADHD manifests in everyday interactions.