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What is emotional dysregulation in ADHD? 

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

Many people with ADHD describe feeling emotions more intensely, from frustration to excitement, and struggling to calm down once those feelings are triggered. According to NHS guidance on ADHD in adults, this is known as emotional dysregulation, and it is now recognised by NICE NG87 as a key part of ADHD that affects both children and adults. 

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Understanding emotional dysregulation 

Emotional dysregulation means having strong, fast-changing emotions that are difficult to manage or recover from. People with ADHD may react more quickly to stress, criticism, or disappointment and find it harder to “cool off” once upset. According to NHS Dorset and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, around half of adults with ADHD experience emotional control difficulties that affect relationships, work, and wellbeing. 

Why does it happen? 

NICE and NHS evidence show that emotional dysregulation in ADHD is linked to differences in brain networks that manage impulse control and self-regulation. This means the brain’s “brakes” on emotion are slower to respond, so feelings can build quickly. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust notes that many people also have trouble switching focus after emotional triggers, leading to lingering anger or shame long after an event has passed. 

How it can be managed 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychological approach for managing emotional dysregulation. CBT helps identify emotional triggers, challenge unhelpful thinking, and build coping strategies. A 2025 PubMed review also found that mindfulness-based programmes can improve self-awareness and reduce impulsive emotional reactions. 

Emotional regulation training and psychoeducation groups, such as those recommended in NHS adult ADHD resource packs, help individuals learn to name and manage emotions before they escalate. Medication, while helpful for focus, is often most effective when combined with psychological support (NICE, 2025). 

For additional support, therapy-based programmes like Theara Change focus on emotional self-regulation and coaching, while regulated assessment services such as ADHD Certify provide comprehensive ADHD care within NICE-aligned frameworks. 

Takeaway 

Emotional dysregulation is a recognised part of ADHD, not a personal weakness. According to NHS and NICE guidance, combining CBT, mindfulness, and structured support helps people understand and manage strong emotions with greater confidence and control. 

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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