Is There Such a Thing as ADHD Anger?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic self-regulation disorder that includes attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and compulsiveness. It usually begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood, with treatment options including medication and managing symptoms through behavioral strategies and therapy.

It is one of the most common neuro-developmental disorders affecting children and, because of its anti-social symptoms and ability to hinder performance in school and life, can contribute toward low self-esteem and anxiety for those suffering from it.

While anger is a feeling common to all people, many adults and children have developed the ability to respond to it in healthy ways. There is evidence that people struggling with ADHD have a more difficult time doing this.

Symptoms of ADHD anger

The term ADHD anger, or ADHD rage, has been used to describe this phenomenon which includes explosive outbursts, tantrums in children, mood swings, defiant behavior, or irritability. There are several reasons for this connection between ADHD and anger such as regulation issues, impulsivity, frustration, and medication side effects.

Regulation issues.

ADHD sufferers have a decreased ability to regulate their emotions, as they have weakened executive functioning. This is the part of the brain responsible for things like problem-solving and planning; and so, when triggered, ADHD anger flares up due to the inability to self-regulate. For children, it means next-level temper tantrums, and, for adults (and kids and teens), a disproportionate emotional response to a situation or an angry outburst.

Impulsivity.

Impulsivity, which relates to reactions that are not based on thinking through the outcomes, is common for people with ADHD. In the heat of the moment, this impulsivity kicks in and ADHD anger can be unleashed. While this is certainly a common occurrence for humans in general, those struggling with ADHD could have a propensity to act recklessly, limited in their ability to stop, pause, and take a step back.

Frustration.

ADHD sufferers, particularly those with hyperactivity symptoms, have a low threshold for boredom. Frequent states of frustration feed ADHD anger when things do not move along or progress as quickly as the person would like. Moreover, if the child’s inability to focus causes them to miss instructions and what is going on in the environment around them, they are more likely to be frustrated.

If ADHD causes a child to struggle with academic performance, this will naturally frustrate them when they are not able to do what is expected. Many times, their non-conforming behavior aggravates those around them resulting in more frequent scolding and punishment. In turn, this feeds the child’s ADHD anger and frustration.

Medication.

Medication is often prescribed to children and adults with ADHD, to help manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, the side effects of these drugs sometimes result in high levels of irritability, causing ADHD anger. This is a tricky situation, as the medication is necessary and helpful, but the stimulants have been known to have these adverse effects.

Getting help

ADHD results in many symptoms that make life difficult. This puts a strain on the individual, leaving them prone to other co-morbidities such as anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and other behavioral conditions. This increases frustration, in addition to relationship issues, which are also an area of difficulty for the people affected.

While not everyone with ADHD will struggle with ADHD anger, if you or someone close to you is battling to cope, biblical counseling can provide an outlet to discuss your struggle.

Your counselor will provide you with strategies to manage your anger better, counsel you with God’s Word, and pray as you navigate your illness or that of your loved one. Reach out to us at Little Elm Christian Counseling today and we can connect you with a licensed counselor.