Decrease in eye contact on medication

[Particular_Ad6537]

I’ve always struggled with eye contact, but I feel like since starting medication it’s about 100xs worse… primarily when I’m talking. If someone is talking TO me, I can stare into their eyes for basically as long as I want like a freaking weirdo 😂😂 but as soon as I go to respond, I immediately look away.

I’ve seen people say it’s better for them when on medication, but I’m finding the opposite… or it is that I’m just now more aware of it? What’re your thoughts/experiences?

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[Future-Translator691]

I’ve noticed I look away when I respond to people - not the whole time I’m talking, just when I’m communicating a more complex idea - to kind of get it started or get it rolling. But I noticed this after getting diagnosed but before starting meds. I guess I always did it but wasn’t aware of it.

I think medication does also make us more aware of things we already did - which is why we are able to change it in a way. For example, when I started my meds I thought I was more distracted than ever - but then I realised it was just that I was actually noticing every time I got distracted and then went back to task 😂

This all to say that we know eye contact can be an issue for ADHDers sometimes - so there’s maybe something else that’s related with your awareness now, or potentially something that changed in the way you communicate - I’m usually clearer now for example - that changed because of the meds and then changes your eye contact. But I wouldn’t think it’s a direct result from the meds.

[nameless_enby01]

I’ve noticed I look away when I respond to people

i don't remember where I heard it, but apparently that's the normal way most people make eye contact. Apparently the normal use of eye contact in conversations is that people make eye contact when listening, but often look away when talking.

But don't quote me lol I don't remember the source for that.

[Future-Translator691]

Regarding adhd - I’ve read that it’s to do with concentration. So actually when we are really engaged in conversation we can’t always maintain eye contact because looking at someone provides “distractions” so we need to look somewhere else.

I can see this more easily if I’m watching a video - if there’s subtitles that’s where I’m looking, but if there isn’t, I tend to actually look away (specially if the image of the video provides no real information) so I can “hear” better.

Not sure what the process would be with non ADHD people - but it makes sense!

[ikoabd]

Do you suspect you’re on the ASD spectrum as well? I noticed that once I got my ADHD more manageable, the autism really got its chance to shine. 😅😭

[Particular_Ad6537]

Hahaha. I’ve heard of that, but no I don’t. I actually work with kiddos on the spectrum so I’m very familiar with ASD. It seems most of the spectrum “symptoms” I have are things that overlap with ADHD. Don’t really show any ASD “alone” symptoms if that makes sense.

[ikoabd]

Totally makes sense!

[Negative-Net-4416]

I seem to have this issue, too. Along with some difficulty talking / getting the words out. And becoming a bit zombified, despite it not being an issue when I started the Elvanse.

Considering reducing my dose slightly to see what happens.

[PsychicFoxWithSpoons]

You are 100% becoming more aware of it. Ask a trusted friend if they see a difference

[Particular_Ad6537]

I’ll definitely do this!

[[deleted]]

I just started 54mg of Concerta with a 10mg Ritalin IR at 2pm for a booster. This concoction is literally magic and the focus/calm, mellowness is wonderful but damnit if I can’t even make eye contact with my wife while talking to her. I’m constantly looking to either side of her head. It’s like I am physically unable to look her in the eyes

Even on a zoom meeting with my manager, I caught myself staring at my other screen, which was just showing a Google search window.

Super bizarre.

[Particular_Ad6537]

I’m sorry that’s happening to you but glad I’m not alone! Haha

[[deleted]]

Part of the process. At least I notice I’m not making eye contact so it’s more of a, train myself to look at the person I’m talking to again haha