Emotion Dysregulation in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

It has long been recognized that many individuals with ADHD also have difficulties with emotion regulation but lack of consensus on how to conceptualize this clinically challenging domain renders a review timely. The authors examine the current literature using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Three key findings emerge. First, emotion dysregulation is prevalent in ADHD throughout the lifespan and is a major contributor to impairment. Second, emotion dysregulation in ADHD may arise from deficits in orienting towards, recognizing and/or allocating attention to emotional stimuli; these deficits that implicate dysfunction within a striato-amygdalo-medial prefrontal cortical network. Third, while current treatments for ADHD often also ameliorate emotion dysregulation, a focus on this combination of symptoms reframes clinical questions and could stimulate novel therapeutic approaches. Three models to explain the overlap between emotion dysregulation and ADHD are considered: emotion dysregulation and ADHD are correlated but distinct dimensions; emotion dysregulation is a core, diagnostic feature of ADHD; and the combination constitutes a nosological entity, distinct from both ADHD and emotion dysreguation alone. The differing predictions from each model can guide future research into this much-neglected population.

“Turning down the heat”: Is poor performance of children with ADHD on tasks tapping “hot” emotional regulation caused by deficits in “cool” executive functions?

“…Although no longer diagnostic, impaired emotion regulation is common amongst individuals with ADHD throughout the lifespan (Shaw, Stringaris, Nigg, & Leibenluft, 2014) -and believed to be an important element in functional impairment in daily life (e.g., Anastopoulos et al, 2011). Recently, there is a renewed interest in emotion regulation in ADHD.…”

“…Recently, there is a renewed interest in emotion regulation in ADHD. In their review, Shaw et al (2014) defined emotional dysregulation as excessive and inappropriate emotional reactions with regard to social norms; emotional lability characterized by rapid mood shifts; and disrupted allocation of attention to emotional stimuli. They concluded that some form of emotional dysregulation is present in 25%-45% of children and 30%-70% of adults with ADHD.…”

“…They concluded that some form of emotional dysregulation is present in 25%-45% of children and 30%-70% of adults with ADHD. Evidence for these prevalence rates was found in epidemiological studies based on self-and parent-reports, and studies investigating reactive aggression as a reflection of emotional dysregulation (Shaw et al, 2014). Emotional lability, which is characterized for instance by irritability, hot temper and sudden mood shifts, is often linked with ADHD (e.g., Skirrow et al, 2014;Sobanski et al, 2010).…”

The Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation : A Literature Review

“…감각처리에 문제가 있는 자폐스펙트럼 장애(Autism Spectrum Disorder: ASD)나 주의력결핍과잉행동장애 (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD) 아동에서 감정조절 장애는 일반적이라고 인식되어 오고 있다 (Shaw, Stringaris, Nigg, & Leibenluft, 2014).…”

“…감정조절의 어려움은 ASD나 ADHD 아동의 주요 문제점 은 아니지만 부모와 임상가들에게 오랫동안 강조되어 온 문제점이다 (Geller, 2005;Shaw et al, 2014). 특히, ASD 아동은 사회성과 적응기술의 부족, 부정적 감정, 불 안과 높은 연관성을 보인다 (Ben-Sasson et al, 2008;Liss, 2006;Pfeiffer, Kinnealey, Reed, & Herzberg, 2005).…”