Course Content
Overview of Emotional Dysregulation: Understanding How ADHD Affects Emotional Responses
Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulties in managing and responding to emotional experiences in a way that is considered typical or appropriate for the situation. For individuals with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), emotional dysregulation is a common and often challenging symptom. It can manifest in intense emotional reactions, difficulty calming down once upset, or an inability to manage feelings of frustration, anger, or excitement.Let’s break this down into key aspects of how ADHD affects emotional responses:
0/8
Emotional Dysregulation: Understanding How ADHD Affects Emotional Responses

Individuals with ADHD may struggle with self-awareness and recognising what they are feeling in the moment. This makes it harder to regulate their emotional responses. Without understanding their emotions, they can easily get swept up in the intensity of their feelings, making it difficult to apply coping strategies.

  • Difficulty Labeling Emotions: ADHD can make it harder to identify specific emotions. Someone might know they feel “bad,” but they may not be able to pinpoint whether they feel frustrated, sad, anxious, or angry.

  • Delayed Emotional Processing: Sometimes, people with ADHD don’t process their emotions immediately. They might be able to reflect on their emotional reactions later, but in the moment, they may struggle to connect with their feelings, which can lead to impulsive actions.

 

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!