Exploring the Interplay Between ADHD and Anger Management
Thanks to a growing awareness of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), many people are familiar with common symptoms like difficulty paying attention and excessive fidgeting. But what about behavior like tantrums, yelling, and emotional outbursts? Does ADHD cause anger management issues as well?
If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges related to ADHD, consider consulting with a psychiatrist in Baton Rouge for personalized guidance and support.
ADHD-Related Emotional Challenges
Understanding anger in ADHD patients requires a close look at how they handle their emotions in general. A full 70% of adults with ADHD have emotional dysregulation, which means they have difficulty managing their feelings.
The emotional impacts of ADHD may include the following:
- Persistent irritability or grumpiness
- Increased impatience, especially when stressed
- Low tolerance for frustration
- Overreactions in response to minor stressors
- Intense emotions that may be out of proportion to the situation
- Difficulty expressing feelings in words
- Explosive outbursts of anger
It’s easy to see how emotional dysregulation and other ADHD symptoms can interact with each other to exacerbate problems with anger management.
For example, the impulsivity of ADHD may mean that when you feel angry, you express it immediately. The difficulty you have with self-regulation may also mean you express it forcefully. And the fact that you feel intense emotions may mean your reaction is out of proportion to the situation.
Similarly, children who cannot express their emotions may become even more frustrated, culminating in angry outbursts. Children with excess energy may not know how to handle it, so they let it out in angry words or physical aggression.
Comorbid Mental Health Disorders
Since ADHD is a disorder of self-regulation — in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors — moodiness is also common. Moods may shift from happy to angry to sad and back again, all in a short period.
Complicating the situation is the fact that many people with ADHD also have comorbid (co-occurring) mood and behavioral disorders, like the following:
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
When a person has ADHD and one of these conditions, it may increase feelings of irritability, impatience, aggression, and anger. The best practice for treating comorbid ADHD and psychiatric disorders is often to treat the most serious or debilitating condition first and then treat any remaining symptoms.
Managing Anger in Individuals With ADHD
Answering the question, “Does ADHD cause anger issues?” is only half of the equation. Now that you know it often does, what can you do about it?
While this area has only recently become a major research focus, several approaches may help individuals with ADHD control their anger.
- Therapy: A variety of therapeutic tools and techniques may help those with ADHD manage their emotions. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), self-regulation training, and counseling.
- Exercise: Exercise has a positive effect on many ADHD symptoms. In children, activities like running, jumping, and climbing can provide a healthy outlet for their energy and emotions. In adults, exercise may decrease feelings of hostility and acts of unintentional aggression.
- Medication: While stimulant medication helps control some ADHD symptoms, it is less effective at improving emotional dysregulation. However, there is some evidence that these medications can help lower irritability, so you may wish to discuss it with your doctor.
- Other: Mindfulness meditation, stress reduction, and social connections may also be helpful for adults struggling with anger issues. Children may benefit from martial arts training, reduced screen time, and consistent rules for behavior.
Need Help With ADHD Anger Management?
If you find yourself contemplating the impact of ADHD on anger management, it is likely that you or a close associate may be seeking assistance in navigating these emotional challenges. In such circumstances, we invite you to contact one of Crescent City Psychiatric’s six (6) locations throughout Louisiana at (985) 249-1322.
Our trained professionals understand the emotional challenges that often accompany ADHD and other mental health diagnoses. We can help you explore the connection between ADHD and irritability, provide concentration tips for ADHD, and teach you about effective anger management skills.
