Emotional dysregulation and ADHD

Symptoms of emotional dysregulation commonly accompany ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. These include volatile moods, temper tantrums, and irritability. How emotional dysregulation relates to ADHD is currently debated. We approach this by establishing that, while emotional dysregulation is a transdiagnostic construct, it is also seen in ADHD cases independently of comorbidity. Furthermore, it accounts for ADHD-related impairments beyond symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Aetiological studies suggest shared genetic influences drive the covariation of emotional dysregulation and ADHD symptoms. However, at the cognitive and neural level emotional dysregulation in ADHD seems to emerge as the direct effects of dysfunctions in emotional processing, rather than being secondary to deficits underpinning the symptoms of ADHD. Nevertheless, treatment trials of stimulants and atomoxetine show significant clinical improvement in emotional dysregulation symptoms. Future research needs to investigate the interaction of ADHD with comorbid disorders, and the predictors of response to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.