Can people be addicted to talking?

Answer 1

Probably not in the sense of an addiction that involves inducing major changes in brain chemistry, although that certainly could not be ruled out.

There are many people, however, who talk compulsively. This may be due to subconscious feelings that they will go unnoticed, that they must work to keep people's attention, or they may simply be self-centered and rather rude. Family background can also be a factor, if they come from an environment where everyone interrupted and talked over each other. That can lead to feelings that you have to keep talking -- keep the stage -- because it's hard to get it back. (The writer comes from a family like that.)

Many people use compulsive speech to cover their true feelings, believing that if they pound a false impression hard enough that the listener will not discern the truth of a matter. This is common among people who are unskilled liars.

Finally, there are a number of emotional disorders that involve compulsive speech.

Answer 2

While not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, excessive talking can be a symptom of various mental health conditions such as mania in Bipolar disorder or ADHD. People may engage in compulsive talking as a way to cope with anxiety or to seek validation and attention from others. Addressing the underlying issues through therapy and treatment can help manage compulsive talking behaviors.