Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIrritability and ADHDOther Emotional Symptoms of ADHDHow ADHD Irritability Affects Daily LifeManaging the Emotional Symptoms of ADHDWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Irritability and ADHD
Other Emotional Symptoms of ADHD
How ADHD Irritability Affects Daily Life
Managing the Emotional Symptoms of ADHD
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common symptoms of ADHD include:
Feeling irritable can be part of the emotional dysregulation that adults and children with ADHD can experience.
This article covers how irritability and other emotions relate to ADHD, how to manage the emotional symptoms of ADHD, and when to seek help.
Ekaterina Goncharova / Getty Images
People with ADHD can experience high rates of irritability. One review of ADHD studies found that 70% of people with the disorder can feel more impatient and emotionally excitable, and 85% of people with ADHD can feel higher levels of frustration than people without the disorder.
Causes
There are several factors that might contribute to ADHD-related irritability, including:
One analysis found that amphetamine-based stimulants are associated with irritability, whereas methylphenidate stimulants are associated with decreased irritability.
Symptoms
Irritability-associated symptoms a person with ADHD might experience include:
Emotional Dysregulation and EmotionsSome researchers feel that emotional dysregulation is a core feature of ADHD, like impulse control, difficulty regulating focus, and restlessness.There is also a complex connection between these symptoms. For example, an emotionally charged moment for a person with ADHD might include reacting too quickly (impulse control) and finding it difficult to stop and clarify an emotion (regulating focus and restlessness).
Emotional Dysregulation and Emotions
Some researchers feel that emotional dysregulation is a core feature of ADHD, like impulse control, difficulty regulating focus, and restlessness.There is also a complex connection between these symptoms. For example, an emotionally charged moment for a person with ADHD might include reacting too quickly (impulse control) and finding it difficult to stop and clarify an emotion (regulating focus and restlessness).
Emotional symptoms that people with ADHD might experience include:
Irritability can affect the daily life of children and adults with ADHD in several ways, including:
The emotional symptoms of ADHD can be managed in several ways. To start, it is helpful to acknowledge them as part of living with the disorder and begin a path toward becoming more aware of emotions and reacting to them accordingly. Ways to do this may include:
Irritability can be a symptom of issues that might require help from a healthcare provider, such as:
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects impulse control, focus regulation, and the ability to plan and complete tasks, among other symptoms. Emotional dysregulation can also be part of the disorder.
Irritability can be a common experience for children and adults with ADHD. Causes of ADHD-related irritability can include feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated, relationship issues, lack of support, lack of sleep, stress, and in some cases, amphetamine-derived medication, such as Adderall.
Symptoms of irritability among people with ADHD can include angry outbursts and a short temper, impatience, frustration, and moodiness. Feelings of rejection, low self-esteem, anger, difficulty recognizing emotions and reacting appropriately, and intense emotions are other symptoms that people with ADHD may experience.
Managing irritation related to ADHD can include mindfulness, CBT, sleeping well, finding support, exercise, taking breaks from stress, and medications.
At times, irritation in a child or adult with ADHD can reflect an issue such as depression, trauma, medication side effects, and other life problems. In such cases, visiting a healthcare provider could become necessary.
A Word From Verywell
Managing ADHD can be stressful for children and adults who have it. Though irritability can be a common experience, managing it is possible, and you can improve your daily experience of living with the disorder.
It can be all too easy to self-criticize after a bout of irritation, but considering the sheer number of people with ADHD who feel irritable, you’re not alone. Work and life stressors combined with daily responsibilities can create intense emotions for anyone with ADHD at any age. Self-acceptance and learning how to clearly label emotions can be great ways to start a journey toward a more peaceful life with the disorder.
Learn MoreRejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD: What to Know
Studies indicate that most of the time, medication can help children and adults with ADHD to manage emotions. But at least one study has found there is a possibility that amphetamine-derived medications, such as Adderall, can cause irritation in some people (Ritalin is not an amphetamine-based medication). If you suspect your medication is causing irritability, speak to your doctor about switching medications or dosages.Learn MoreADHD Medication: Types, Side Effects, and More
Studies indicate that most of the time, medication can help children and adults with ADHD to manage emotions. But at least one study has found there is a possibility that amphetamine-derived medications, such as Adderall, can cause irritation in some people (Ritalin is not an amphetamine-based medication). If you suspect your medication is causing irritability, speak to your doctor about switching medications or dosages.
Learn MoreADHD Medication: Types, Side Effects, and More
ADHD mood swings can seem sudden and unpredictable and can include angry outbursts. These mood swings can often be short lived, and they can be related to attention challenges.Learn MoreThe Link Between ADHD and Mood Swings
ADHD mood swings can seem sudden and unpredictable and can include angry outbursts. These mood swings can often be short lived, and they can be related to attention challenges.
Learn MoreThe Link Between ADHD and Mood Swings
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hassall M.Understanding meltdowns: the ADHD volcano model.Attention Magazine.April 2020.Stuckelman ZD, Mulqueen JM, Ferracioli-Oda E, et al.Risk of irritability with psychostimulant treatment in children with ADHD: a meta-analysis.J Clin Psychiatry.2017;78(06):e648-e655.Karalunas SL, Gustafsson HC, Fair D, Musser ED, Nigg JT.Do we need an irritable subtype of ADHD? Replication and extension of a promising temperament profile approach to ADHD subtyping.Psychological Assessment. 2019;31(2):236-247. doi:10.1037/pas0000664Shaw P, Stringaris A, Nigg J, Leibenluft E.Emotion dysregulation in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Am J Psychiatry. 2014;171(3):276-293. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13070966ADDept.Why is task switching with ADHD so hard?Singh I.A disorder of anger and aggression: Children’s perspectives on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the UK.Social Science & Medicine. 2011;73(6):889-896. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.03.049Barkley RA.Emotional dysregulation is a core component of ADHD. In: Barkley, RA, ed.,Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment.The Guilford Press; 2015:81-115.Beaton DM, Sirois F, Milne E.Experiences of criticism in adults with ADHD: A qualitative study.Fernández-Alcántara M, ed.PLoS ONE. 2022;17(2):e0263366. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263366Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD and driving.Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Emotions That Disrupt Life Can Be Part of ADHD.Debros K, Willard C, Buck E.Easy mindfulness exercises for kids with ADHD. Newsletter.ADDitude.2020.Huguet A, Izaguirre Eguren J, Miguel-Ruiz D, Vall Vallés X, Alda JA.Deficient emotional self-regulation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Mindfulness as a useful treatment modality.J Dev Behav Pediatr.2019;40(6):425-431.Mitchell JT, McIntyre EM, English JS, et al.A pilot trial of mindfulness meditation training for adhd in adulthood: Impact on core symptoms, executive functioning, and emotion dysregulation.J Atten Disord. 2017;21(13):1105-1120.Saghir Z, Syeda JN, Muhammad AS, Balla Abdalla TH.The amygdala, sleep debt, sleep deprivation, and the emotion of anger: a possible connection?Cureus. Published online July 2, 2018. doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.2912Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Feeling stressed? It can make ADHD symptoms seem worse.Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, et al.Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.bord personal disord emot dysregul. 2020;7(1):1. doi:10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2Children’s Bureau.Parenting a child who has experienced trauma. Factsheet. November 2014.MedlinePlus.Fussy or irritable child.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hassall M.Understanding meltdowns: the ADHD volcano model.Attention Magazine.April 2020.Stuckelman ZD, Mulqueen JM, Ferracioli-Oda E, et al.Risk of irritability with psychostimulant treatment in children with ADHD: a meta-analysis.J Clin Psychiatry.2017;78(06):e648-e655.Karalunas SL, Gustafsson HC, Fair D, Musser ED, Nigg JT.Do we need an irritable subtype of ADHD? Replication and extension of a promising temperament profile approach to ADHD subtyping.Psychological Assessment. 2019;31(2):236-247. doi:10.1037/pas0000664Shaw P, Stringaris A, Nigg J, Leibenluft E.Emotion dysregulation in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Am J Psychiatry. 2014;171(3):276-293. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13070966ADDept.Why is task switching with ADHD so hard?Singh I.A disorder of anger and aggression: Children’s perspectives on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the UK.Social Science & Medicine. 2011;73(6):889-896. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.03.049Barkley RA.Emotional dysregulation is a core component of ADHD. In: Barkley, RA, ed.,Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment.The Guilford Press; 2015:81-115.Beaton DM, Sirois F, Milne E.Experiences of criticism in adults with ADHD: A qualitative study.Fernández-Alcántara M, ed.PLoS ONE. 2022;17(2):e0263366. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263366Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD and driving.Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Emotions That Disrupt Life Can Be Part of ADHD.Debros K, Willard C, Buck E.Easy mindfulness exercises for kids with ADHD. Newsletter.ADDitude.2020.Huguet A, Izaguirre Eguren J, Miguel-Ruiz D, Vall Vallés X, Alda JA.Deficient emotional self-regulation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Mindfulness as a useful treatment modality.J Dev Behav Pediatr.2019;40(6):425-431.Mitchell JT, McIntyre EM, English JS, et al.A pilot trial of mindfulness meditation training for adhd in adulthood: Impact on core symptoms, executive functioning, and emotion dysregulation.J Atten Disord. 2017;21(13):1105-1120.Saghir Z, Syeda JN, Muhammad AS, Balla Abdalla TH.The amygdala, sleep debt, sleep deprivation, and the emotion of anger: a possible connection?Cureus. Published online July 2, 2018. doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.2912Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Feeling stressed? It can make ADHD symptoms seem worse.Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, et al.Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.bord personal disord emot dysregul. 2020;7(1):1. doi:10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2Children’s Bureau.Parenting a child who has experienced trauma. Factsheet. November 2014.MedlinePlus.Fussy or irritable child.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hassall M.Understanding meltdowns: the ADHD volcano model.Attention Magazine.April 2020.Stuckelman ZD, Mulqueen JM, Ferracioli-Oda E, et al.Risk of irritability with psychostimulant treatment in children with ADHD: a meta-analysis.J Clin Psychiatry.2017;78(06):e648-e655.Karalunas SL, Gustafsson HC, Fair D, Musser ED, Nigg JT.Do we need an irritable subtype of ADHD? Replication and extension of a promising temperament profile approach to ADHD subtyping.Psychological Assessment. 2019;31(2):236-247. doi:10.1037/pas0000664Shaw P, Stringaris A, Nigg J, Leibenluft E.Emotion dysregulation in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Am J Psychiatry. 2014;171(3):276-293. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13070966ADDept.Why is task switching with ADHD so hard?Singh I.A disorder of anger and aggression: Children’s perspectives on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the UK.Social Science & Medicine. 2011;73(6):889-896. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.03.049Barkley RA.Emotional dysregulation is a core component of ADHD. In: Barkley, RA, ed.,Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment.The Guilford Press; 2015:81-115.Beaton DM, Sirois F, Milne E.Experiences of criticism in adults with ADHD: A qualitative study.Fernández-Alcántara M, ed.PLoS ONE. 2022;17(2):e0263366. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263366Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD and driving.Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Emotions That Disrupt Life Can Be Part of ADHD.Debros K, Willard C, Buck E.Easy mindfulness exercises for kids with ADHD. Newsletter.ADDitude.2020.Huguet A, Izaguirre Eguren J, Miguel-Ruiz D, Vall Vallés X, Alda JA.Deficient emotional self-regulation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Mindfulness as a useful treatment modality.J Dev Behav Pediatr.2019;40(6):425-431.Mitchell JT, McIntyre EM, English JS, et al.A pilot trial of mindfulness meditation training for adhd in adulthood: Impact on core symptoms, executive functioning, and emotion dysregulation.J Atten Disord. 2017;21(13):1105-1120.Saghir Z, Syeda JN, Muhammad AS, Balla Abdalla TH.The amygdala, sleep debt, sleep deprivation, and the emotion of anger: a possible connection?Cureus. Published online July 2, 2018. doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.2912Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Feeling stressed? It can make ADHD symptoms seem worse.Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, et al.Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.bord personal disord emot dysregul. 2020;7(1):1. doi:10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2Children’s Bureau.Parenting a child who has experienced trauma. Factsheet. November 2014.MedlinePlus.Fussy or irritable child.
Hassall M.Understanding meltdowns: the ADHD volcano model.Attention Magazine.April 2020.
Stuckelman ZD, Mulqueen JM, Ferracioli-Oda E, et al.Risk of irritability with psychostimulant treatment in children with ADHD: a meta-analysis.J Clin Psychiatry.2017;78(06):e648-e655.
Karalunas SL, Gustafsson HC, Fair D, Musser ED, Nigg JT.Do we need an irritable subtype of ADHD? Replication and extension of a promising temperament profile approach to ADHD subtyping.Psychological Assessment. 2019;31(2):236-247. doi:10.1037/pas0000664
Shaw P, Stringaris A, Nigg J, Leibenluft E.Emotion dysregulation in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Am J Psychiatry. 2014;171(3):276-293. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.13070966
ADDept.Why is task switching with ADHD so hard?
Singh I.A disorder of anger and aggression: Children’s perspectives on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the UK.Social Science & Medicine. 2011;73(6):889-896. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.03.049
Barkley RA.Emotional dysregulation is a core component of ADHD. In: Barkley, RA, ed.,Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment.The Guilford Press; 2015:81-115.
Beaton DM, Sirois F, Milne E.Experiences of criticism in adults with ADHD: A qualitative study.Fernández-Alcántara M, ed.PLoS ONE. 2022;17(2):e0263366. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263366
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD and driving.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Emotions That Disrupt Life Can Be Part of ADHD.
Debros K, Willard C, Buck E.Easy mindfulness exercises for kids with ADHD. Newsletter.ADDitude.2020.
Huguet A, Izaguirre Eguren J, Miguel-Ruiz D, Vall Vallés X, Alda JA.Deficient emotional self-regulation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Mindfulness as a useful treatment modality.J Dev Behav Pediatr.2019;40(6):425-431.
Mitchell JT, McIntyre EM, English JS, et al.A pilot trial of mindfulness meditation training for adhd in adulthood: Impact on core symptoms, executive functioning, and emotion dysregulation.J Atten Disord. 2017;21(13):1105-1120.
Saghir Z, Syeda JN, Muhammad AS, Balla Abdalla TH.The amygdala, sleep debt, sleep deprivation, and the emotion of anger: a possible connection?Cureus. Published online July 2, 2018. doi:10.7759%2Fcureus.2912
Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Feeling stressed? It can make ADHD symptoms seem worse.
Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, et al.Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.bord personal disord emot dysregul. 2020;7(1):1. doi:10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2
Children’s Bureau.Parenting a child who has experienced trauma. Factsheet. November 2014.
MedlinePlus.Fussy or irritable child.
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