Is there a connection between ADHD and anger?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause several symptoms, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. People with ADHD may also experience heightened emotions, such as anger. 

About 4.4% of adults in the United States have ADHD, while 5.3 million children have a diagnosis of ADHD, a condition that often persists into adulthood. 

Following a treatment plan suggested by a mental health professional can help you manage ADHD-induced anger. 

What are the causes of ADHD-induced anger? 

People with ADHD may experience emotional dysregulation, where they are unable to control their emotional responses. About 70% of adults with ADHD have emotional dysregulation. 

A 2017 study found that adults with ADHD often have a coexisting mental health condition like anxiety that increases the chance of experiencing heightened anger.

Other core symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity, irritability, and difficulty focusing, can contribute to emotional dysregulation. For example, a person with ADHD who experiences challenges with focusing may become increasingly frustrated when they can’t complete a task. This frustration may turn into uncontrolled anger.

A small 2018 study found that difficulty focusing, or shifting attention, is closely linked to anger and anxiety. 

A 2020 study found that more than 50% of adults with ADHD experienced frequent emotional fluctuations.

The symptoms of ADHD can affect your quality of life, affecting personal and professional relationships. This can often lead to increasing frustration and anger. Some things that can trigger ADHD-induced anger include:

• impatience
• impulsivity
• difficulty completing tasks
• difficulty paying attention

Symptoms of ADHD-induced anger 

Several symptoms of ADHD may increase the likelihood of frustration or anger. This includes:

• being easily distracted
• being unable to complete tasks
• interrupting conversations
• experiencing changes in mood
• experiencing difficulty thinking clearly

ADHD-induced anger can present the following signs:

• extreme impatience 
• irritability
• explosive bursts of anger and overreaction
• anger outbursts in the face of otherwise small challenges, obstacles, and situations
• frequent frustration
• low self-esteem

It’s important to know that ADHD-induced anger can look different for everyone. Speaking with a healthcare professional about your symptoms can help ensure the most suitable treatment plan is put in place.

Treatment

Treatment for ADHD includes therapy, medication, and lifestyle strategies.

Healthcare professionals may prescribe medication along with lifestyle changes and therapy to help relieve symptoms of ADHD.

Medications to treat ADHD are categorized as stimulants and nonstimulants.

Stimulants include medications like:

• amphetamine (Adderall)
• lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Nonstimulant medications include:

• atomoxetine (Strattera)
• clonidine (Kapvay)
• guanfacine (Intuniv)

A doctor may also recommend therapy to treat your ADHD symptoms, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

How can ADHD be managed?

There are specific lifestyle strategies that can help you manage symptoms of ADHD, including frustration and anger. These include:

• getting regular exercise
• eating a balanced diet
• reducing stress with practices such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and breathing exercises
• getting quality rest and sleep

There are also several strategies you can try to manage anger when you feel the emotion is taking over or getting out of control. You can:

• identify what triggers your anger
• start to breathe deeply and count to 10 if you feel a burst of anger coming on
• say and repeat a calming word or phrase, such as “it’s OK,” “relax,” “take it easy”
• Visualize something that relaxes you, such as a moment at the beach or an endearing memory of a pet.

Summary

Anger is a common symptom among people with ADHD, a condition that affects 4.4 % of adults in the United States and more than 5 million children.

People with ADHD can sometimes experience emotional dysregulation, or intense and heightened emotions in the face of seemingly small obstacles and challenges. 

Following the treatment course prescribed by a mental health professional to treat ADHD, whether that’s medication, therapy, or a combination of both, can help you manage ADHD-induced anger. 

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.