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Why do I have mood swings with ADHD? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If your mood changes quickly from calm to frustrated, or energised to deflated, it may be part of how ADHD affects emotional regulation. According to NHS guidance and NICE NG87, frequent mood swings are a recognised feature of ADHD, caused by differences in how the brain manages emotion, impulse, and attention.

Discover if you have ADHD

 

Why mood swings happen 

Emotional dysregulation  

People with ADHD often experience strong emotions that are harder to control or recover from. This can lead to rapid mood shifts, irritability, or emotional “crashes” after stress or overstimulation. NHS and NICE highlight that this pattern is neurological; the brain’s emotion regulation systems respond more quickly and intensely, especially when fatigued or under pressure. 

Impulsivity and executive dysfunction  

ADHD affects the brain’s executive functions, skills like planning, self-monitoring, and flexible thinking. When these are under strain, emotions can take over before logic steps in. That’s why a minor setback might feel overwhelming or trigger frustration out of proportion to the situation (NHS, 2025). 

Neurobiology  

Recent PubMed reviews (2025) shows that key brain networks, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, are less efficient in ADHD. These regions regulate emotion and impulse control, explaining why mood changes can feel fast and hard to manage. 

How to manage mood swings 

  1. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): NICE and NHS guidance recommend CBT as a first-line approach for managing emotional ups and downs. CBT helps you recognise triggers, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and use tools such as “pause and plan” before reacting. 
  1. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): According to Mind UK, DBT teaches mindfulness and distress tolerance skills that help regulate emotions and build emotional balance over time. 
  1. Mindfulness and self-regulation: Mindfulness-based therapy and relaxation exercises improve awareness of emotional shifts and help reduce reactivity. A 2025 PubMed review found these approaches beneficial for both adults and teens with ADHD. 
  1. Medication and lifestyle support: Stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications can reduce mood variability for some people, especially when paired with therapy (ADHD Direct, 2024). Good sleep, exercise, nutrition, and structured routines all help stabilise emotional energy throughout the day (BDA, 2024). 

Programmes like Theara Change offer structured emotional and behavioural coaching, while ADHD Certify provides NICE-aligned assessment and medication reviews within UK clinical standards. 

Takeaway 

Mood swings in ADHD are not about overreacting; they are about how the ADHD brain processes emotion. According to the NHS and NICE, combining therapy, mindfulness, medication, and lifestyle support helps improve emotional stability and build long-term resilience. 

Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

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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