“Emotional dysregulation” refers to difficulties controlling emotional reactions. People with this condition tend to appear moody and unpredictable to others and sometimes even to themselves. The dysregulation comes into play in the form of not feeling able to dial down or modulate one’s own emotions and instead feeling a sense of being swept away by them.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults brings with it a host of characterizations and symptoms, all pertaining to either difficulties with attention or remaining physically still. Emotional dysregulation is one of those many symptoms that often manifests in those with ADHD.
Keep reading to learn more about ADHD emotional dysregulation, healthy ways to address it, and how professional mental health care services can help you manage it.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, and its diagnosis has become increasingly common as the mental health care industry has become more knowledgeable about it. While the condition is most commonly identified in children, it frequently lasts into adulthood and is sometimes not even diagnosed until adulthood.
According to WebMD, “It’s estimated that adult ADHD affects more than 8 million adults (or up to 5% of Americans). Many of them don’t even know it. Several studies suggest less than 20% of adults with ADHD are aware that they have it.” This data suggests that adult ADHD may be much more common than the number of official diagnoses might suggest. The prevalence of ADHD means that its symptoms, such as emotional dysregulation, which can be quite disruptive, are prevalent in adults as well.
What is Emotional Dysregulation?
As mentioned above, emotional dysregulation is the struggle – or inability – to control one’s emotions and responses. This struggle or lack of ability can lead to disproportionate emotional reactions to minor inconveniences, miscommunications, feelings of overwhelm, and more.
A person struggling with emotional regulation may exhibit the following behaviors and emotional struggles:
- Difficulty controlling moods (i.e., mood swings).
- Feeling “trapped” by their emotions that interfere with their ability to pursue and achieve goals.
- Concurrent depression and/or anxiety.
- Extreme frustration in response to minor inconveniences or annoyances.
- Acting seemingly impulsively and unpredictably.
- Oscillations between mania and depressive states of low energy.
- Frequent loss of temper.
- Ongoing anger and/or irritability.
It has been commonly noted in the mental health care field that emotional dysregulation can lead to problems across a person’s life. For example, uncontrolled emotional outbursts can lead to tension and hurt feelings in personal relationships. One’s professional life may also be negatively impacted by ongoing struggles to control one’s moods.
Emotional Dysregulation & Other Mental Health Conditions
In addition to ADHD, there are many mental health conditions associated with emotional dysregulation. These include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Personality disorders.
- Bipolar disorders.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
A person who suspects they or a loved one might be struggling with emotional dysregulation may have ADHD and/or a number of other mental health conditions. For that reason, it is important to receive a diagnosis from a healthcare professional in order to determine the best steps to take to improve daily life and functioning.
Ways to Address ADHD Emotional Dysregulation
There are steps an individual can take to address their ADHD emotional dysregulation. While these steps are not a cure all by any means, if implemented successfully they can have a major positive impact on a person’s life, emotions, and relationships.
Here are some of the steps you or your loved one can take to assist in lessening the effects of emotional dysregulation:
- Make adjustments to diet. Avoid processed foods and alcohol, choosing instead fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and other whole foods.
- Begin exercising regularly. Even if you cannot commit to intense daily exercise (and not everyone should), even 20-30 minutes of moderate activity a few times a week can result in major improvements to mental health.
- Limit daily screen time as overexposure to social media and the news has been linked to exacerbation of the effects of mental health disorders.
- Make appropriate adjustments to your sleep pattern. It is generally considered best to sleep and wake at the same times each day, so take time to determine when that needs to be and what activities help you to experience restful sleep. These activities might include calming baths, nightly meditations, or journaling before sleep to release pent up concerns and stressors.
How Professional Mental Health Care Can Help
While all of the above steps are helpful for individuals to take, the severity of conditions often necessitates more intensive intervention. In those cases, you should seek professional support services for yourself or your loved one. Professional mental health support can come in the form of inpatient or outpatient programs, both of which we at LifeSync offer.
Our inpatient mental health facility is the perfect location to diagnose and address mental health conditions, including those that commonly manifest in emotionally dysregulated behaviors. Our residential program provides 24-hour care and access to a variety of proven treatments, including dialectical behavioral therapy and holistic activities.
If you or your loved one are seeking a more independent path for your healing journey, our outpatient programs may be just what you’re looking for. We create plans on a case-by-case basis that will work with your lifestyle while still providing you the support you need.
Treatment for ADHD Emotional Dysregulation
For serious treatment for ADHD emotional dysregulation in a private and luxurious setting, consider LifeSync Malibu. We specialize in treatments for mental health conditions, from depression to anxiety to personality disorders, and more. Many of these conditions feature emotional dysregulation as a hallmark of their symptoms, meaning we are well-versed in how to approach and manage this experience. We can help you or your loved one to find healthier and more sustainable emotional behaviors.
Contact LifeSync Malibu today to learn more.