Emotion regulation and ADHD

When most people think of ADHD, they picture a teen who’s easily distracted… maybe even one who can’t sit still. 

But there’s something just as important…and often missed. 

ADHD also comes with difficulties with emotion regulation.  

Some experts have argued that difficulties with emotion regulation make it harder to suppress or regulate urges and impulses which leads to the distraction and impulsive behaviour seen in ADHD. 

ADHD can be particularly difficult during the teen years as changes in the brain at this time also lend to a period of increased impulsivity and intensity of emotions. 

The combination of ADHD and adolescent brain development can lead to teens experiencing intense emotions and more dysregulated behaviour at home as a result.  

If you have a teen with ADHD who shows their feelings on the outside… 

They may be more explosive during the teen years, going from 0-1000 over small requests to put their shoes away.  

Or small provocations from a younger sibling may lead to punching or swearing that leaves you wondering what happened to your caring older child? 

If your teen with ADHD tends to internalise their feelings, you may notice more anxiety, low mood, or signs that they’re feeling overwhelmed…like retreating to their room, scrolling for hours, or refusing to get off devices. 

The error many make is seeing these reactions as behaviour problems rather than emotion regulation problems. 

But when emotions are high, yelling and threatening consequences often escalates the behaviour rather than bringing compliance and the behaviour change you are after.  

So how can you help your teen with emotion regulation? 

Emotions are regulated in two ways: 

1. Skills – things an individual does to regulate their emotions (e.g. breathing, mindfulness, routines). 

1. Relationships – when someone else's calming presence helps to co-regulate. 

Your relationship with your teen, and how you interact with them, is one of the most important ways you can help them to regulate emotions.  

While the teen years are challenging. Your connection with your teen is important to help them regulate and understand their emotions. 

But when relationships are already strained, it’s even harder to help your teen manage their emotions, especially in the heat of the moment. 
That’s why I’ve created a live training to support parents of teens with ADHD, to help you move from arguments and nagging to connection and action. 

You can register here.  

📅 The training is live on July 31st at 7pm AEST, with the replay available to all who register. 

🎫 Spaces are limited — [click here to save your spot]. 

You’ll walk away with practical tools to: 
– Help your teen follow through on what needs to get done 
– Support their emotional regulation 
– Reduce stress and build connection at home