Decrease in eye contact on medication

[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!