What Brain Imaging Findings Link ADHD and Emotional Regulation?

PostedOctober 7, 2025

UpdatedOctober 7, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD emotional regulation imaging research has revealed crucial insights into how ADHD impacts the brain’s ability to control emotions. Brain imaging findings, particularly through fMRI and MRI, show clear links between ADHD and difficulties in emotional regulation. These imaging techniques highlight specific brain regions involved in processing emotions, such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, which play key roles in regulating emotional responses.

Imaging Studies and Emotional Regulation

In individuals with ADHD, reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex is often seen. This area is responsible for higher-level functions like planning and decision-making, which are essential for regulating emotional responses. Additionally, the amygdala, a region involved in processing emotions such as fear and anger, shows hyperactivity in people with ADHD. These brain imbalances can contribute to impulsive emotional reactions, such as difficulty controlling frustration or managing anxiety.

How Imaging Helps in Understanding Emotional Dysregulation

Identifying Impulsivity and Emotional Outbursts

Imaging findings suggest that ADHD-related emotional dysregulation is linked to structural and functional differences in the brain’s emotion regulation circuits, particularly within the limbic system. These differences help explain why people with ADHD may experience difficulty in controlling their emotions, leading to symptoms like impulsivity and mood swings.

Treatment Support

By identifying these brain patterns, clinicians can tailor treatments for emotional regulation. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in teaching emotional control, while medications targeting dopamine and norepinephrine may help regulate brain activity, improving emotional responses.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations tailored to your ADHD care and support needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to ADHD and emotional regulation.

Phoebe Carter, MSc

Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

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.