Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
DBT for ADHD emotional regulation therapy is gaining recognition as a powerful tool for those who struggle with intense emotional reactions. Short for dialectical behaviour therapy, DBT combines mindfulness, emotional awareness, and communication strategies to reduce emotional volatility and build stronger coping skills.
Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven highly effective in addressing challenges like anger management and emotional outbursts, two areas where many people with ADHD need support.
How DBT Supports Emotional Regulation in ADHD
Here’s how DBT can help people with ADHD manage their emotions more effectively:
Emotion identification and tolerance
DBT teaches individuals to recognise and label emotions as they arise. This self-awareness helps reduce reactive behaviours and allows more space for thoughtful responses.
Anger management tools
People with ADHD often experience quick surges of anger or frustration. DBT provides practical strategies for managing these feelings without escalation or shutdown.
Reduced emotional outbursts
With consistent practice, DBT helps reduce the frequency and intensity of outbursts by improving impulse control and emotional self-regulation.
In conclusion, DBT for ADHD emotional regulation is especially useful when traditional therapy hasn’t addressed the emotional side of ADHD fully.
Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Emotional Regulation in ADHD.
Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author
Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.
All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.
All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.
