Emotional dysregualtion
“My emotions feel bigger and move faster than most people.”
Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty managing, moderating, and recovering from emotional responses. Many adults with ADHD describe their emotions as fast, intense, and difficult to “turn down,” even when they understand the situation logically.
Emotional dysregulation is not a personality flaw or a lack of maturity. It reflects neurodevelopmental differences in the brain systems responsible for emotional control, impulse regulation, and stress response.
Common signs:
-
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions that seem “too big”
-
Becoming frustrated quickly in stressful situations
-
Taking longer to calm down after conflict
-
Feeling embarrassed or confused by their own reactions
-
Avoiding situations where emotions might be triggered
-
Struggling with criticism, even when constructive
-
Experiencing emotional “spillover” into work or relationships
These experiences can affect self‑esteem, communication, and overall wellbeing.
Why it matters
Emotional dysregulation can influence:
-
Relationships and communication
-
Work performance and stress levels
-
Self‑confidence and self‑image
-
Decision‑making
-
Mental health (e.g., anxiety, low mood)
Understanding emotional dysregulation helps adults recognise patterns that may have been misinterpreted as “overreacting,” “too sensitive,” or “dramatic.”
Understanding ADHD in Adults
ADHD (Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages attention, motivation, planning, and self‑regulation. Although often associated with childhood, ADHD commonly continues into adulthood — many people reach their 20s, 30s, or later before recognising the lifelong patterns that ADHD can create.
ADHD is not a problem with intelligence or effort. It reflects differences in brain development and functioning, particularly in the networks responsible for executive functioning (planning, organising, prioritising), working memory, and emotional regulation. These differences can influence daily life in subtle or significant ways, depending on the individual.
The three types of ADHD
Clinically, ADHD is grouped into three presentations. These describe the pattern of symptoms a person experiences:
1. Predominantly Inattentive
Characterised by difficulties with focus, organisation, follow‑through, and working memory.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive
Involves restlessness, impulsive actions or decisions, and difficulty slowing down.
3. Combined Presentation
A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive features. These presentations can shift over time as life demands change.
Management and support
ADHD is highly manageable, and many adults thrive once they understand how their brain works. Effective support often includes:
-
Education and self‑understanding Recognising ADHD patterns can reduce shame and increase confidence.
-
Lifestyle and behavioural strategies Tools for organisation, time‑management, emotional regulation, and reducing overwhelm.
-
Psychological support Therapy can help with coping skills, self‑esteem, and managing stress.
-
Medication (when appropriate) Some people benefit from medication as part of a broader treatment plan. Decisions about medication are made with medical health professional like a Psychiatrist or Mental Health GP.
-
Environmental adjustments Small changes at home or work can significantly improve daily functioning.
Management is always personalised — there is no one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
Why assessment matters
For many adults, an ADHD assessment provides clarity, validation, and a roadmap for moving forward. Understanding your neurodevelopmental profile can help you make sense of lifelong patterns and access the right support.