The Overlooked ADHD Symptom: Emotional Dysregulation
A common yet often misunderstood symptom of ADHD is emotional dysregulation, where emotions feel bigger and harder to control than the situation calls for. Dr. Suzanne Wylie explains how to recognize and manage this symptom.
Emotional dysregulation is a common yet often misunderstood symptom of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is characterized by emotions feeling bigger and harder to control than the situation calls for.
Emotions and ADHD ----------------
ADHD is often thought of as a disorder that primarily affects concentration and organization. However, it also impairs executive functioning, which regulates attention, behavior, and emotions. This can lead to impulsivity, emotional triggers, and stress and overwhelm.
Dr. Suzanne Wylie, Clinical Advisor to iQ Doctor, compares ADHD to a car with a sensitive accelerator and weak brakes. The feeling hits fast, and it takes longer to slow back down. She emphasizes that this is not a personality flaw, but rather a genuine part of how ADHD affects the brain.
**Recognizing Emotional Dysregulation**
To recognize emotional dysregulation, it is essential to learn the difference between emotional responses due to ADHD and mood swings for other reasons. Dr. Wylie advises against self-diagnosis and instead suggests speaking to a doctor if you are concerned.
Some clues that you may be experiencing ADHD-related dysregulation include:
- The reaction is intense but short, often gone within half an hour - It is usually set off by something specific, like feeling criticized - It tends to be a lifelong pattern rather than something new
If you often go from zero to one hundred, emotionally, and later wonder what happened, this could be a clue that you are emotionally dysregulated.
**Managing Emotional Dysregulation**
Dr. Wylie offers several tips for managing emotional dysregulation:
- Sleep makes a big difference; poor sleep makes everything harder to manage - Regular movement helps - Noticing your own triggers can help you spot the pattern earlier next time - Therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can teach useful tools - For some people, ADHD medication helps by giving the brain more time to catch up before reacting
In the moment, Dr. Wylie suggests trying to learn to pause before reacting. This can be done by stepping away from the situation, splashing cold water on your face, or going for a brisk walk. Slow breathing, in for four, out for six, can also help calm things down. Having a phrase ready, like "I need five minutes," can help you step away without it seeming rude.
**Important Considerations**
Dr. Wylie reminds us that women and girls are more likely to be told they are anxious or sensitive than to be considered for an ADHD assessment. This means that many women may not be receiving the diagnoses they need. If you think this might be you, it is worth speaking to your GP.
| | | | --- | --- | | | | | Adult ADHD diagnosis rates in the US | 123.3% | | | |
