Compulsive Talking Disorder

Compulsive talking disorder, is usually a coping mechanism for most people. Compulsive speech can sometimes indicate a mental health issue such as a personality disorder rather than just an eccentric personality trait.

What is Compulsive Talking Disorder?

Compulsive speech disorder is a speech pattern in which the speaker feels compelled to continue speaking. People struggling with this condition may be aware that their speech is out of control or obsessive, but they feel like they need to talk to feel safe and in control. Being unable to speak while in a compulsive speaking state can result in high levels of anxiety, feelings of anger, or feeling overwhelmed.

Compulsive speaking means more than talking a lot. They may continue to speak even though they know that the person they are talking to is willing to leave the conversation, and may even acknowledge their own wrongdoing or the other party’s inappropriate thoughts.

Is Compulsive Speeking Disorder Harmful?

A number of mental illnesses are often accompanied by compulsive speech. Some of these are those:

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder that can occur with compulsive speech. Compulsive speech often occurs during periods of mania rather than periods of depression, and is often characterized by a rapid speech pattern that leaves little room for thought or even breathing.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder can include compulsive speech as a symptom. In this disorder, compulsive speech often manifests as a compulsive need to improve oneself or humiliate others. For example, a person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder will talk about all their achievements, even at the expense of the comfort or interest of their listeners.

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal Personality Disorder can also include compulsive speech as a symptom. Specific ideas or beliefs can be the subject of compulsive speech. Topics may include conspiracy theories, paranoid beliefs. People with this personality disorder may exhibit speech in ways that seem strange or unusual; for example, they may use unconventional expressions or terminology.

The examples given above are not an exhaustive list of mental health disorders that include compulsive speech as a symptom, but provide some examples of how compulsive speech may reflect an underlying mental illness. Compulsive speech is often accompanied by extreme discomfort and high levels of anxiety and fear.

How is Compulsive Speech Disorder Treated?

Compulsive speech disorder is treated by addressing the subconscious state responsible for compulsive or suppressed speech. Therapy is a good idea for compulsive talkers, as compulsive speech can make interpersonal relationships difficult, and dealing with this symptom can be the first step towards treating an underlying mental illness.

Compullsive talking, however, is often part of a broader set of symptoms such as anxiety, mania, depression, or interpersonal difficulties. These symptoms may be part of a mood or personality disorder.

If you talk a lot under pressure, for reasons that feel compelling or forced in any way, seeking help from a mental health professional can be a useful step forward. Controlling compulsions may seem impossible, but seeking the guidance of a licensed mental health counselor can offer the tools necessary to improve speech patterns, regain control over verbal attitudes, and develop healthier methods of both communication and coping.

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Last Edited: January 29, 2024