Importance of Regulating Emotion(s)

Few doctors factor in emotional challenges when making an ADHD diagnosis. In fact, current diagnostic criteria for ADHD include no mention of “problems with emotions.” Yet recent research reveals that those with ADHD have significantly more difficulty with low frustration tolerance, impatience, hot temper, and excitability than a control group. (Dr. T. Brown)

Learning how to regulate emotions is crucial

Individuals with ADHD can become quickly immersed in one strong emotion and have problems shifting  focus to other aspects of a situation. Or examining how they might be interpreting or even contributing to the situation.

Hearing a slight uncertainty in a coworker’s reaction for example may lead to interpreting this as criticism and an outburst of inappropriate self-defense or anger or hurt.

Some people with ADHD struggle with an inability to tolerate strong emotions enough to deal effectively with them. They become caught up in behavior patterns to avoid painful emotions and end up by shrinking their lives.

Another problem with regulation is that people with ADHD are less able to anticipate pleasure or register satisfaction with tasks for which the payoff is delayed. This may lead to avoidance/procrastination/negative self talk, which itself constitutes an issue.

Treating the emotional challenges of ADHD requires a multimodal approach: It starts with a careful and accurate evaluation for ADHD, one that explains ADHD and its effect on emotions. ADHD medication may improve the emotional networks in the brain. Talk therapy can help a person manage fear or low self-esteem. Coaching may help a person overcome problems with getting boring tasks completed.