Does ADHD group therapy help with frustration intolerance

PostedNovember 3, 2025

UpdatedNovember 5, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Frustration intolerance is a common challenge for individuals with ADHD, often stemming from difficulties in emotional regulation, executive dysfunction, and impulsivity. Group therapy interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based programmes, and psychoeducation, have been found to significantly improve frustration tolerance and emotional regulation. According to NICE guidelines (NG87) and recent research, group therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals with ADHD manage frustration and reduce emotional outbursts.

Frustration intolerance in ADHD

Frustration intolerance in ADHD is characterised by rapid emotional escalation, irritability, and difficulty managing setbacks or delays. Individuals with ADHD often struggle to pause, reframe their emotions, or engage in self-soothing techniques. This leads to impulsive reactions, such as outbursts or avoidance, making it harder to handle daily challenges. Studies published in Medical News Today and PMC highlight how executive dysfunction and poor impulse control exacerbate frustration in ADHD individuals.

The role of group therapy

Group therapy provides a structured, supportive environment for teaching emotion regulation, coping strategies, and frustration management. CBT-based groups target negative thought patterns, helping participants reframe frustration and develop healthier coping skills. Simply Psychology notes that DBT skills groups focus on mindfulness and distress tolerance, teaching participants to pause before reacting impulsively. Mindfulness groups, discussed in studies by PubMed, encourage participants to acknowledge emotions non-judgementally, fostering greater emotional control.

Psychoeducational groups provide participants with a deeper understanding of ADHD and emotional regulation, helping them normalise their experiences and develop practical skills. Research in Additude confirms that these groups are particularly effective in reducing frustration and enhancing emotional resilience.

Clinical evidence (2022–2025)

Recent studies demonstrate the effectiveness of group therapy in improving frustration tolerance. According to a PMC review, group therapy participants showed sustained improvements in emotional regulation, reduced impulsivity, and better coping with frustration. Combining CBT and DBT approaches in groups has been particularly beneficial, providing individuals with diverse tools to handle frustration and emotional stress.

Key takeaway

Frustration intolerance is a significant challenge for individuals with ADHD, but group therapy can be an effective solution. Evidence from NICE, PubMed, and Additude shows that group-based interventions, such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and psychoeducation, can significantly improve frustration tolerance, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing in people with ADHD.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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.