ADHD mood swings are common in adults and children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These mood swings are apparent in children as tantrums or emotional dysregulation. These mood swings are a response to the children, who do not know how to control their emotions and can become overwhelmed. Thus, they lash out and cry loudly. However, the ADHD symptoms vary.

Symptoms of ADHD mood swings in adults are different. Their mood swings will result in anger, unpredictable behavior, et cetera. In short, there are other ways to deal with emotional outbursts.

If you or a family member is suffering from ADHD mood swings and want to skip the queues and consult an online medical healthcare professional, contact Therapy Fleet now.

Later in this blog, we will be looking at what ADHD is, how ADHD mood swings develop, and how to cope with them.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

In medical terms, ADHD is also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is classified as a severe mental health condition that affects about 8.4% of children and 4.5% of adults. ADHD affects the development and functioning of the brain and is diagnosed early in childhood and may continue during adulthood.

The characteristics of ADHD include attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, making it difficult for the individual with ADHD to sit still and focus. People with ADHD often experience mood swings as a part of their daily routine, and it affects their well-being in the long run.

In ADHD mood swings, the person suffers from constant mood changes. Emotions like frustration, anger, and disappointment often accompany ADHD mood swings, and all these are rapid changes.

What Are ADHD Mood Swings?

ADHD mood swings are pretty common in people who have ADHD. The energy levels, mood, concentration, and emotions fluctuate multiple times per day.

As per a study conducted in 2015, the mood swings caused by ADHD are a significant factor that contributes to the impairment of the individual, making it difficult for that person to function at an optimal level daily.

Mood swings (along with the abovementioned characteristics) make it difficult for people to operate at work, in relationships, at school, and in their daily lives.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD Mood Swings?

Some common emotional symptoms to look out for are;

changes and emotions from sad to angry and anxious in a short period
Constant fluctuations in mood, for example, trouble paying attention to an activity
Constant energy bursts, changing into fatigue immediately.
Easily getting distracted, leaves the work incomplete
Flaring with anger and getting upset quite often
Experiencing educational boredom
Finding it challenging to sit still or wait for their turn
Unable to understand what impact their words, actions, and behavior would lead to
Hurrying between tasks, making silly mistakes. It all makes them feel demotivated and frustrated.

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What Are the Impacts of ADHD Mood Swings on ADHD Patients?

As human beings, we are quick to judge others at one glance. For people suffering from ADHD, mood swings are more often, in which they have no control. The most significant impact of ADHD mood swings is the footprint it will leave on the other person. However, your closest family, friends, and teachers might know how to support the person struggling with ADHD.

Coming to the point, how do ADHD mood swings affect the individual; they are often frustrated, embarrassed, and insecure by their actions. Let’s look at some complications associated with mood swings.

problems with keeping relationships
People with constant mood swings often find it challenging to secure and maintain their positions in a job.
People with ADHD mood swings often suffer from an anxiety disorder, and this anxious nature makes it challenging to get rid of the problem; therefore, they self-medicate or drink alcohol. They don’t understand that the strategies can offer them only short-term relief, but the results are devastating in the long run.
ADHD mood swings lead to a person feeling at a loss. These individuals usually have low self-esteem.

Ways to Cope with ADHD Mood Swings

Getting rid of ADHD mood swings is essential for the person to lead an everyday life. For this, lifestyle changes are imperative. For example, individuals should start meditation, write journals, and exercise to avoid stress. Support groups of neurodiversity-affirming individuals are helpful as they offer valuable insights.

Let’s look at 12 tips for dealing with ADHD mood swings;

You need to identify your triggers to avoid them. This way, you can prepare for them when required.
Practice mindfulness daily. It can keep the stress and feeling of overwhelming at bay.
Start writing journals as they create a space for people to release negativity from the inside.
Exercise more often helps release the hormones in the brain, so incorporate regular physical exercise into your daily routine.
Try to educate yourself about the triggers and coping skills for ADHD and notice the symptoms. The internet is the place for helpful tips, or you can even contact a platform online to connect online mental healthcare providers.
Build a Support group. Make a network of people who are supportive of your ADHD mood swings.
Filter out your social media browsing and surround yourself only with people or sources of information that bring you positivity.
Meditation is a game changer for ADHD mood swings. Make sure you meditate every night before going to sleep.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Poor nutrition can exaggerate feelings of fatigue and irritation, leading to mood swings.
Make a sleep schedule, as lack of sleep can increase the symptoms of mood swings. Sleeping at the same time each night and waking up at the same time the following day helps.
Focus on being happy. Make sure your overall health is good. Make a gratitude list. Although this may not directly help ADHD mood swings, it can help regulate stress and regulate your emotions daily.
Try incorporating caffeine. The use of caffeine helps in moderate amounts.

Having a low dose of Adderall for ADHD can also lead to mood swings. Can Adderall cause depression? Our 24/7 online doctors are waiting to help answer your ambiguities and to guide you to a proper medical dosage. Reach out today!

When to Contact a Mental Healthcare Provider?

At times, managing ADHD mood swings can become difficult at home. Find your cue and contact for help and support. Look out for symptoms that hinder your sleep, relationships, appetite, and ability to function daily. You can seek help from online telemedicine platforms like Therapy Fleet or find a neurodiversity-affirming therapist nearby.

Behavioral therapies like DBT dialectical behavior therapy, CBT cognitive behavioral therapy, and ABA therapy can manage ADHD. ADHD medication also helps. Drugs like Adderall, Qelbree, and Vyvanse are also good and prescribed if therapy alone is not working. These stimulant medications enhance impulse control and inattention in individuals with ADHD.

The Bottom Line

Suppose you or a member of the family is suffering from ADHD mood swings and intense emotions; contact help. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood and continues throughout adulthood. Medications and therapy will mitigate the effects of ADHD, but understanding the reason behind the trigger and finding ways to cope with the meltdown is crucial.

Keep physical activity on the go, try to avoid negative environmental factors, and look out for common symptoms of ADHD. If you experience constant mood shifts and low frustration tolerance, seek immediate help.

Medical Disclaimer:

At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.

Challenges can be tough, but your unique strengths and determination can turn obstacles into opportunities. Keep believing in your ability to thrive.

FAQS

1. Can ADHD cause mood swings?

Yes, ADHD mood swings are more when people feel frustrated or when others interrupt them. They do this unintentionally; they have no control. However, treatments are available.

2. Do people with ADHD are more alert and better at night?

Yes, people with ADHD are usually more alert in the late evenings.

3. What do ADHD mood swings look like?

Some people experience mood swings more than others. Their emotions build up with time, and they laugh hysterically, cry, or convey their feelings in some other way. They might yell, be aggressive, etc. There will be more than one emotion at a time.

4. Does ADHD worsen with age?

Not necessarily. But at times, managing symptoms gets complicated due to the busy schedule and demanding lifestyle. But, at times, by adulthood, people with ADHD are more experienced in managing their symptoms.