Problems with emotional dysregulation, in particular with anger reactivity, are very common in people with ADHD. You are not alone in struggling in this area. Anger may indicate an associated mood problem but often is just part of the ADHD.
70% of adults with ADHD report experiencing either more frequent or more intense anger than is average. At its base, this makes sense because the ADHD brain struggles with regulation.
Although not everyone who lives with ADHD experiences anger, the two can be connected. ADHD symptoms and emotional dysregulation can prompt angry outbursts in some people. Coexisting conditions that may accompany ADHD can also increase the chance of ADHD anger outbursts.
Certain ADHD symptoms may cause anger. Rejection, overstimulation, fatigue, time management, and switching tasks may all trigger anger in a person living with ADHD.
Similarly, people with ADHD can also experience 'meltdowns' more commonly than others, which is where emotions build up so extremely that someone acts out, often crying, angering, laughing, yelling and moving all at once, driven by many different emotions at once – this essentially resembles a child tantrum and can ...
In one study, researchers found that people with self-reported ADHD symptoms earned lower scores for affective empathy compared to other participants. However, they were still within the range of what's considered typical for empathy levels overall.
This is why people with ADHD can often hold grudges against people, companies and locations; memories of an injustice or disservice can linger for a while, which can cause all sorts of other problems such as low moods and irritability.
Many people with ADHD are, if anything, argument-averse. And certainly, you needn't have ADHD to be an argumentative son of a gun. Yet, some individuals with ADHD do habitually bait others into heated disagreements. It's typically a subconscious behavior.
For people with ADHD, this means that, although it can look like these other people are trying to control you, they're really just trying to control their own anxiety - using external anxiety management.
Many people who take Adderall to manage ADHD symptoms find it helpful. However, for some, Adderall can increase irritability or anger.
The stimulants most effective in treating emotion dysregulation and anger outbursts as an adult ADHD medication are lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)* and methylphenidate*. Non-stimulant cognition-enhancing medications, such as Atomoxetine**, are sometimes used to treat ADHD and increase emotion regulation.
The impulsivity, disorganization, and difficulty with focus that are often associated with ADHD can create challenges in communication, trust, and intimacy in a relationship.
It's all about the natural extremes of ADHD brains. They are both extra good at forgiving (or maybe it's actually forgetting) but can also have an exceptionally difficult time of it as well.
In conclusion, conflict aversion is a common trait for individuals with ADHD. It can have negative consequences if left unaddressed. By recognizing your triggers, practicing effective communication, and seeking professional help if necessary, you can overcome conflict aversion and embrace conflict as a tool for growth.
Many kids with ADHD are prone to losing their tempers and arguing with others. They may get in physical fights, too, which can cause them to get injured or hurt someone else.
People with ADHD have the tendency to fixate on things. Instead of apologizing outright, they may spend far too much time trying to find a way to do it just right. They might dwell on what they've done, going over and over what they could have done differently or better.
About 70 percent of adults with ADHD report problems with emotional dysregulation1, going up to 80 percent in children with ADHD2. In clinical terms1, these problem areas include: Irritability: issues with anger dysregulation – “tantrum” episodes as well as chronic or generally negative feelings in between episodes.
People with ADHD tend to talk — a lot. We talk because we're excited or nervous, or because we just want to be a part of the conversation. Sometimes we talk simply to fill the silence because silence is hard for us.
Kids with ADHD often feel emotions more deeply than other kids do, and love is no exception. When teens with ADHD fall in love, the good — and bad — feelings that come with it can be even more intense and more disruptive. New relationships or crushes are exciting and (mostly) enjoyable.
Yes. Research indicates that ADHD and NPD can co-occur and often do. Longitudinal research also indicates that childhood ADHD may increase the chance of someone developing a personality disorder, including NPD.
Connection Between ADHD and Empathy
They tend to act impulsively, get bored easily, and become quickly distracted. One of the side effects of the combination of many of these symptoms can result in a lack of empathy. ADHD related behaviors in some respects mirror traits associated with narcissistic individuals.
Hyperactivity (talks a lot, fidgets, always on the go, etc.) Impulsivity (blurts out, interrupts, lies, angry outbursts, difficulty waiting, etc.) Inattention (forgetful, loses things, disorganized, makes careless mistakes, etc.)