ADHD and Anger: Exploring the Relationship

Can ADHD cause anger issues?

Curious as to what causes anger associated with ADHD? Emotional dysregulation is pervasive in people with ADHD. In fact, according to some research, an estimated 70% of adults with ADHD have emotional dysregulation.

Other comorbid conditions are also common. For example, many kids with ADHD also have a condition known as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which is a behavior disorder that causes defiance, hostility, and uncooperativeness.

ADHD in children has also been linked to another mood disorder known as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). Research suggests that close to 40% of children have ADHD and DMDD. People with DMDD will have regular outbursts that are more intense and last longer than what would be considered average.

Finally, some medications that are prescribed for ADHD are known as stimulants, which list anger as a side effect and can further contribute to ADHD anger.

Why does ADHD cause anger issues?

There are several underlying factors that can lead to ADHD and anger. For example, ADHD symptoms commonly include:

• Frustration: People living with ADHD tend to have low frustration tolerance. This means their ability to manage feelings of frustration can quickly transfer into angry outbursts.
• Impulsivity: One of the more well-known ADHD symptoms is impulsivity. This often stems from the difficulty of staying focused or having self-control. For people with ADHD, it generally means they can easily lash out when they’re feeling angry. Some studies suggest that as many as half of all children with ADHD struggle with impulsive aggression.
• Difficulties with self-control: Overactivity and excessive energy can result in someone with ADHD having extreme difficulty with self-control. All of that energy and the feeling of being out of control can often manifest as anger.
• Low self-esteem: Both children and adults can deal with low self-esteem related to an ADHD diagnosis. Their condition might interfere with the ability to establish and maintain deep, rewarding personal relationships and connections, leading to loneliness that may translate to anger.

"Challenges that get in the way of achieving goals cause frustration. Frustration tolerance is the capacity to handle frustration. People with ADHD may have a low tolerance for frustration, which can lead to rapid feelings of anger outbursts. Therapy can help manage anger and frustration by learning anger management skills."

— Bisma Anwar, MA, MSc, LMHC

The effects of untreated ADHD on anger management

If left untreated, symptoms of ADHD can cause higher levels of irritability and cause many different types of anger, like displaced anger. The ripple effect can interfere with and negatively impact general mental health and well-being, further exacerbating the frequency and severity of angry outbursts that can become more challenging to manage as time goes on.

Medication

Many ADHD medications are effective in treating ADHD symptoms. The different types of ADHD medication include:

• Prescription stimulants (long-acting/extended-release)
• Prescription stimulants (short-acting/immediate release)
• Non-stimulants
• Antidepressants

Note that some stimulants list anger as a side effect, so it’s important to discuss it with your doctor if you’re having ADHD anger issues that are more severe or different than your usual.

Self-regulation training

People with ADHD can practice what’s known as self-regulation training to learn ways to navigate their anger healthily. For example, you could focus on:

• Setting boundaries
• Avoiding or removing yourself from anger-provoking situations
• Changing how you look at people, situations, or events that might make you angry
• Creating new responses to your anger

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and then changing unhealthy thought and behavior patterns. Different types of CBT have been found effective in treating symptoms of ADHD, including anger.

Child-centered play therapy

Child-centered play therapy is a therapeutic modality that’s specific to treating children. Play therapy uses a relaxed setting and playtime to connect with a child so they can better express and process their feelings related to ADHD symptoms like intense anger.

Parental training

For parents trying to deal with ADHD anger in their children, it can be incredibly challenging to know what to do. In-person or online therapy has been found beneficial in some research.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation is an effective tool for centering your thoughts and being in the present. The practice can help you manage and control feelings of ADHD anger.

Exercise

It’s well known that exercise releases endorphins that can improve mood and help manage several ADHD symptoms like inattention, focus, and intense anger. Working out for even 30 minutes a day can be a good way to keep anger in check if you’re struggling with ADHD and anger issues.

"There are many strategies that can assist those who have ADHD and frequently experience feelings of anger. People with ADHD can benefit from staying physically active for various reasons, including boosting attention, lowering impulsivity, and improving mood. Stimulant medications may help reduce symptoms of irritability. It may also help reduce feelings of hostility, which can help better manage feelings of anger. A person can become more aware of their emotions in the here and now with mindfulness, which helps you control negative feelings more effectively."

— Bisma Anwar, MA, MSc, LMHC