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What strategies can help manage emotional sensitivity in ADHD? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Many people with ADHD experience emotions that feel stronger, faster to rise, and harder to manage. According to the NHS and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, emotional sensitivity, overwhelm and rapid mood shifts are common. While these are not part of the formal diagnostic criteria, they can affect daily life, relationships and confidence. 

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Understanding emotional sensitivity in ADHD 

NICE guidance NG87 notes that people with ADHD often find frustration and mood changes harder to regulate. These patterns are linked to differences in executive function, which influence how someone pauses, processes information and responds emotionally. International guidance from the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic also highlights low stress tolerance and difficulty recovering from strong feelings. 

Evidence based strategies that can help 

Clinical guidance emphasises practical, psychological and skills-based tools rather than relying solely on medication for emotional symptoms. 

Psychoeducation 

NG87 recommends psychoeducation as a first step. Learning how ADHD affects emotions helps people spot triggers, understand patterns and plan more effective responses. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) 

CBT has strong evidence for helping adults with ADHD manage emotional dysregulation. It teaches practical skills that support flexible thinking, emotional recovery and problem solving. 

Emotional regulation skills 

Skills based approaches, sometimes influenced by CBT or DBT principles, can help people slow down reactions and build confidence in managing intense feelings. 

Mindfulness strategies 

Mindfulness is not a first line treatment but research suggests it can help people create a pause before reacting, which supports emotional stability. 

Practical and lifestyle tools 

NHS services often recommend consistent routines, sleep support, regular physical activity, planned breaks and simple stress reduction techniques. These can make daily emotional demands easier to manage. 

Takeaway 

Emotional sensitivity is common in ADHD, but there are several evidence based strategies that can help. Psychoeducation, CBT and structured skills training have the strongest support, while mindfulness and practical routines offer additional benefits. With the right tools, emotional regulation becomes far more manageable. 

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. 

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