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Irritability and ADHD
People with ADHD can experience high rates of irritability.
Emotional dysregulation can also be part of the disorder.
Irritability can be a common experience for children and adults with ADHD.
Ekaterina Goncharova / Getty Images
In such cases, visiting a healthcare provider could become necessary.
A Word From Verywell
Managing ADHD can be stressful for children and adults who have it.
Work and life stressors combined with daily responsibilities can create intense emotions for anyone with ADHD at any age.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many possible causes of irritability for those with ADHD.
People with ADHD can feel overwhelmed by daily responsibilities that require detailed planning and organization.
Overstimulation is another factor of how a person with ADHD feels, including if they feel irritable.
Irregular sleep, medications, and brain circuitry may be additional factors.
Studies indicate that most of the time, medication can help children and adults with ADHD to manage emotions.
If you suspect your medication is causing irritability, speak to your doctor about switching medications or dosages.
ADHD mood swings can seem sudden and unpredictable and can include angry outbursts.
These mood swings can often be short lived, and they can be related to attention challenges.
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