Emotional dysregulation and ADHD
What is emotional dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation describes difficulty adjusting the intensity, duration or expression of emotional responses. Some people with ADHD experience rapid or overwhelming reactions, but experiences vary. It is not specific to ADHD, and an emotional reaction alone cannot identify its cause or establish a diagnosis.
estimates vary with the definition and population studied
recovery time differs by person and situation
there is no universal multiplier for emotional intensity
Possible experiences
Intensity
- Feeling very distressed by criticism
- Anger in response to frustration
- Excitement that feels difficult to manage
Duration
- Taking longer than expected to settle after distress
- Feeling that an emotion is hard to move on from
- Physical discomfort, which can also have other causes
Possible mechanisms
Emotion regulation involves several interacting processes. Research explores their relationship with ADHD, but difficulties cannot be reduced to a single dopamine deficit or one part of the brain working badly in every person.
Organisational strategies
- Pause and breathe — try pausing, breathing comfortably and then choosing a response
- Name emotions — practise describing what you feel
- Grounding — notice five things you can see, four you can feel and three you can hear, if comfortable
- Physical activity — choose suitable movement if it helps you settle
- Mindfulness — practise noticing emotions without judging yourself
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