How to manage low frustration tolerance in ADHD adults? 

Low frustration tolerance is one of the key emotional challenges for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This can manifest as irritability, quick temper, and difficulty managing tasks or interactions that require patience. These emotional responses often occur due to difficulties with executive function, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation, all of which are central features of ADHD. 

The NICE guideline NG87 identifies low frustration tolerance as a significant symptom of ADHD in adults, recommending a combination of psychological interventions and medication to manage frustration and impulsivity. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), combined with mindfulness-based strategies, is recommended to help individuals recognise frustration triggers, reframe negative thoughts, and develop effective coping mechanisms. Alongside these therapies, lifestyle measures such as regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and structured routines help stabilise mood and reduce irritability. 

The NHS also emphasises the importance of emotion regulation techniques like mindfulness and grounding exercises. These strategies help individuals pause before reacting impulsively, creating space to choose a more balanced response. By addressing self-awareness and emotional resilience, adults with ADHD can significantly improve their tolerance to frustration, enabling them to manage stressful situations more constructively. 

Key strategies for improving frustration tolerance in ADHD 

Improving frustration tolerance in ADHD involves a multi-faceted approach. First, CBT is highly effective at addressing impulsive thoughts and behaviour, while also teaching individuals to develop healthier patterns of thinking. CBT helps adults with ADHD challenge their automatic frustration responses and replace them with more adaptive strategies for handling stress. Mindfulness techniques, on the other hand, teach individuals to focus on the present moment and respond to frustration with greater calm and clarity. 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists highlights that compassion-based therapies, alongside medication, can improve emotional awareness and reduce the emotional reactivity often seen in ADHD. Structured routines, regular breaks, and stress-coping strategies also help build frustration endurance. By normalising emotional responses and integrating therapeutic techniques into daily life, adults with ADHD can experience significant improvement in their ability to cope with frustration. 

Key takeaway 

Low frustration tolerance is a common symptom of ADHD, but with the right combination of CBT, mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, and medication, adults can develop the tools to manage frustration more effectively. A balanced routine, emotional regulation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments can further support improved emotional control, leading to better emotional resilience and overall wellbeing. 

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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.