ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation in Indianapolis, IN
The Monitor on Psychology (2024) presented an article attesting to an association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and emotional dysregulation in children, teens, and adults. The association is common, but not inevitable, in all three subtypes of ADHD: primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and combined, but especially in the combined type. The high emotionality contributes to depressive and anxiety symptoms and relationship issues.
The dysregulation can be grouped into two subtypes. The "surgent" subtype is emotionally impulsive and can be overexuberant. This type reacts, often briefly, to both positive and negative events with an intensity that disregards consequences. The "irritable" subtype experiences high levels of negative emotions like fear, anger, and sadness. Those in this type hang onto these feeling longer than those of the surgent type and are more vulnerable to clinical levels of depression and anxiety. Members of both these subtypes have "bigger feelings" than their peers.
The emotional dysregulation in both subtypes respond to treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate, found in Ritalin and Concerta, though some evidence suggests that amphetamines, such as Adderall, can increase emotional reactivity. Social skills training and parent training can help. Behavioral interventions specifically directed at ADHD emotionality are needing further development.
REFERENCE: Weir, K. (2024). Managing emotional dysregulation in ADHD. Monitor on Psychology, 55(3), 30-36.