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Everything about Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD

Everything about Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD

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One of the most overlooked symptoms of ADHD, a neurodivergent disorder, is emotional dysregulation. If you are wondering if you have been feeling like you have been experiencing a constant change in your emotions, then don’t waste a second in reading this blog. It is because we are going to talk about emotional dysregulation in ADHD, so let’s learn more about these ADHD emotions.

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is essentially a neurodivergent disorder. It is defined by symptoms such as restlessness, procrastination, or inability to focus on the task at hand unless it’s extremely interesting for the affected individual which deters their attention from important tasks and leads to executive dysfunction. That means people who are affected with ADHD essentially lose their retain their everyday activities, a process called executive functioning.

Read More: Understanding ADHD Mood Swings: A Journey Through Emotional Waves

Then What is Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD?

It is one of the reasons people with ADHD are still misdiagnosed. A symptom like this can often lead affected individuals and experts to sometimes think it is more like bipolar disorder or depression. This is because emotional dysregulation in ADHD often mimics disorders like depression, bipolar, borderline personality, or even posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(1).

The ADHD emotions in this type of primary symptom go from Mach 0 to Mach 10 in no time. This overblown shift in emotions is the main reason an affected individual might be misdiagnosed with a different yet similar mental condition. This makes it important for us to briefly describe some of the secondary symptoms that might signal if one is suffering from emotional dysregulation in ADHD.

The response over anything is blown out of proportion. Any negative trigger, ranging from finding out your favorite singer’s concert is sold out or being turned down by your prospective partner almost always results in the same level of overwhelming overblow response from the affected individual.

Emotional dysregulation in ADHD can be defined by symptoms such as the ones found just below:

  • Excessive emotional reactions that don’t match the intensity of the cause
  • Having difficulty calming down, even if one is aware that it is an overreaction
  • Intolerance or low tolerance for frustration or annoyance
  • Tantrums
  • Changing temperament
  • Overwhelming emotions
  • Out of proportion response to even trivial issues
  • Having problems keeping attention away from the emotion

How ADHD’s Emotional Dysregulation Affects Your Life

As we have mentioned before, emotional dysregulation affects executive functioning directly. This means, it might be something that often goes unnoticed, but in stark contrast it is highly impactful for the affected individual.

As regulating our emotional response is a huge and important part of our lives, it is impacted when one is suffering from ADHD and going through the rounds of emotional dysregulation. This can impact the way you handle yourself in public, for example, when working and or at college. You will be considered “unstable”, “emotionally stunted”, or “highly temperamental” if the literal symptoms bleed into your work or any other public place for that matter.

Even relationships can be affected due to emotional dysregulation in ADHD of the affected individual. A simple thing like a small argument during cuddling can often lead to an extreme response from the affected individual. This can make it difficult for others, including members of your family and friends to retain a relationship with you.

If emotional reactions like this are the norm, it can make it extra hard for you to trust any of your emotions and lead a stable life in terms of emotional maturity. This creates uncertainty and self doubt, which is never good for your mental presence. These ADHD emotional dysregulation examples evidence how impacting it can be for your life’s sustenance.

Read More: ADHD vs Depression: Finding The Link Between Them

Changes You Can Make To Prevent Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD

Here we are going to talk about how to deal with ADHD’s emotional dysregulation:

Journaling

Writing your heart out is a good way to let those emotions out even though sometimes those are exaggerated and highly irrational considering the cause of those emotions in the first place. This way it feels less urgent and you don’t feel the need to respond right then and there, effectively preventing emotional dysregulation in ADHD of the affected individual.

Physical Activity

Physical activity never goes out of style in terms of treating and taming mental conditions as this highly underrated medicinal action can bring about certain neural changes that help you unwire from ADHD’s dysregulation. The most suitable physical activity is any type of high-intensity workout that has your heart racing, preferably for 30 to 45 minutes.

Get a Hobby

Anything that attracts your interest and has your creative juices running, do it. A good outlet is always a positive coping mechanism.

ADHD Emotional Dysregulation Treatment

What if the changes described above don’t work for the emotional dysregulation in ADHD you are suffering from? Then one should try ADHD emotional dysregulation treatment, which is known to show promising results.

Medication

Evidence has been found that methylphenidate reduces emotional symptoms in adults with ADHD if they are followed diligently(2). This formula of medication is officially packaged with brand names such as Ritalin and Concerta.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A form of psychotherapy, it is what experts also unofficially call a “talk” therapy. It can greatly help with reducing the effects of ADHD’s emotional dysregulation in the affected individual(3). A mental health expert will talk you out of the negative thought processes by helping you identify the resolutions via different techniques.

Read More: Bipolar Disorder Vs ADHD: Learn The Symptoms

Wrapping Up

This is the end here but we hope you now know more about emotional dysregulation in ADHD. If you are looking for any kind of treatment then it is available at Orange Coast Psychiatry. It is available for emotional dysregulation in ADHD and for other problems found in mental conditions like Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorder, Panic Disorder, MDD, trauma, Bipolar disorder, or Acute stress.

References and Footnotes 
  1. Kring, A. M., & Sloan, D. M. (Eds.). (2010). Emotion regulation and psychopathology: A transdiagnostic approach to etiology and treatment. The Guilford Press.
    https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-21674-000
  2. Surman, C. B. H., & Walsh, D. M. (2022). Do Treatments for Adult ADHD Improve Emotional Behavior? A Systematic Review and Analysis. Journal of Attention Disorders, 26(14), 1822-1832. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547221110926
  3. Guo, C., Assumpcao, L., & Hu, Z. (2022). Efficacy of Non-pharmacological Treatments on Emotional Symptoms of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Attention Disorders, 26(4), 508-524. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547211001953

Frequently Asked Questions

Effective treatment methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or appropriate medication.

Emotional dysregulation is a symptom of many mental health conditions, including ADHD.

Several factors, including anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and both mild and significant traumatic events.

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Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.