ADHD and mood swings
Expert reviewed by Thomas E. Brown, PhD
Quick tips for managing ADHD mood swings
- Quick tip 1Don’t overreact to flare-ups.
Don’t overreact to flare-ups.If someone’s mood swing starts with an outburst, try not to react too quickly or intensely. Keeping yourself calm can help them regain control.
People with ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions. And they tend to feel emotions more intensely than other people. The result? For some, it can mean mood swings that leave the people around them wondering what caused such a quick change in attitude and behavior.
It may not take much to set the pendulum in motion. Getting a bad grade, having to work late, even spilling a drink can instantly change a fine mood into a foul one. The anger or frustration may last the rest of the day — or disappear within 10 minutes.
When people with ADHD have mood changes, they may not see their behavior or how it’s impacting others. Afterward, they often feel bad about how they’ve been acting. They typically don’t mean to be moody or grumpy. But sometimes they may need support to build the skills to control it.
Dive deeper
Why it happens
ADHD medication and moodiness
What to do next
About the author
About the author
The Understood Team is made up of passionate writers and editors. Many of them have kids who learn and think differently.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Thomas E. Brown, PhD has authored seven books on ADHD, including
