How can journaling aid in understanding emotional patterns in ADHD?

PostedOctober 28, 2025

UpdatedOctober 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

For people with ADHD, emotions can change quickly often before they’ve had a chance to process what’s happening. Journaling, or structured self-monitoring, offers a practical way to slow this process down, helping both children and adults recognise emotional triggers and patterns over time.

Why journaling works for ADHD brains

According to NICE guidance (NG87), behavioural interventions such as self-monitoring and behaviour diaries can improve emotional regulation in ADHD. Writing helps individuals “externalise” thoughts and feelings, a form of working memory support that can reduce impulsivity and create a pause before reacting.

NHS advice on ADHD self-help also encourages tools that promote self-reflection, such as mood tracking or journaling, to support routine and emotional awareness. The Royal College of Psychiatrists adds that structured self-monitoring, including reflective writing, can enhance self-awareness and complement therapy.

The neuroscience behind writing and regulation

Evidence from Frontiers in Psychology (2023) found that emotion-focused journaling improves self-awareness and emotional regulation, especially when used alongside CBT. A PubMed (2024) review explained that journaling stimulates the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s self-control hub, improving working memory and delaying emotional reactivity.

Experts like Professor Russell Barkley (2023) have shown that externalising thoughts through writing helps ADHD brains organise “mental clutter,” strengthen executive function, and support long-term focus and motivation.

How to journal effectively for ADHD

The Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic both recommend structured journaling formats rather than open-ended writing. Prompt-based or guided approaches are easier for ADHD minds to sustain and make patterns clearer over time.
Helpful techniques include:

Mood logs or emotion diaries: Track triggers, energy levels, and reactions.

Gratitude journaling: Builds emotional resilience and positivity.

CBT thought records: Link events, thoughts, and feelings to recognise unhelpful patterns.

ADHD-specific planners: Combine time management and emotional check-ins (“How did I feel after this task?”).

If free writing feels overwhelming, colour-coded logs or short daily prompts like “What frustrated me today?” or “What helped me calm down?” can make reflection easier and more engaging.

Takeaway

Journaling is not a replacement for ADHD treatment, but it’s a powerful complementary tool. It helps people identify triggers, understand emotions, and strengthen executive control, turning daily experiences into insight. According to NICE and the NHS, consistent self-monitoring builds awareness, supports therapy goals, and gives both families and clinicians a clearer picture of emotional progress over time.

Phoebe Carter, MSc

Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

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.