How can I manage emotional outbursts in ADHD? 

Emotional outbursts can be frustrating and draining, and many people with ADHD experience them more often than they expect. According to the NHS and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, strong emotional reactions, irritability and low frustration tolerance are common associated features of ADHD, even though they are not part of the formal diagnostic criteria. These reactions often link to differences in how the ADHD brain regulates emotion and responds to stress. 

Why emotional outbursts happen in ADHD 

NICE guidance NG87 explains that emotional dysregulation, irritability and impulsive reactions are frequently reported by people with ADHD. Executive function differences make it harder to pause, regulate emotions and recover from stress. Stress sensitivity, sensory overload and rapid shifts in focus can also make emotional reactions feel bigger or faster. 

Research published in BMJ Open and d The Lancet Psychiatry shows that emotional dysregulation affects a large proportion of both adults and children with ADHD. Many adults also describe feeling overwhelmed after long periods of masking or trying to keep emotions in check, which can increase the likelihood of outbursts. 

If you are looking to understand your emotional profile in the context of ADHD, some adults choose to seek an ADHD assessment through NHS pathways or private services such as ADHD Certify, which provides assessments for adults and children in the UK. 

Takeaway 

Emotional outbursts are a recognised and common experience in ADHD, and they reflect real challenges with emotional regulation and stress processing. With the right combination of psychoeducation, CBT, skills based strategies, mindfulness and supportive routines, emotional reactions can become easier to manage and less overwhelming over time. 

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.