Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Many people with ADHD say they feel emotions more intensely than others. According to NHS guidance, this emotional sensitivity is a recognised part of the condition. It can mean reacting strongly to rejection, criticism, or stress, and struggling to “bounce back” after setbacks. Clinicians often describe this as rejection sensitivity or emotional dysregulation, both of which are now well-documented features of ADHD rather than personality traits.
Understanding emotional sensitivity in ADHD
Research shows that ADHD affects areas of the brain involved in emotional control, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These regions help us manage frustration and regulate mood, but in ADHD, they tend to be more reactive. As a result, emotions can feel more intense and harder to manage. A 2024 PubMed study confirmed that rejection sensitivity is common in people with ADHD and can occur independently of anxiety or depression.
Managing emotional sensitivity
NICE’s ADHD guideline (NG87) recommends combining medication with psychological support such as CBT, mindfulness, or emotional regulation training. Learning to recognise triggers, pause before reacting, and use grounding or breathing techniques can help.
Private services such as ADHD Certify provide assessments and follow-up reviews, supporting access to evidence-based care.
Key takeaway
Emotional sensitivity is closely linked to ADHD, but it can be managed. With a mix of treatment, therapy, and practical coping tools, many people learn to regulate emotions more effectively and feel more in control of their responses.
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.
