--- title: ADHD and mood swings description: People with ADHD can have frequent mood swings, or quick changes in behavior and attitude. Learn why it happens, and how to help with ADHD mood swings. slug: adhd-mood-swings author: The Understood Team reviewer: Thomas E. Brown, PhD published: '2019-08-05T15:58:49.547Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/1elIVHUGYV1k460sNPydfV/16ec0106c1ef95aa5a8c420aeb89ca41/Enhance60_1200x900_thumbnail_UnderstoodADHDand_moodswings-Whatyouneedtoknow.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-mood-swings lang: en --- # ADHD and mood swings People with [ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-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. ## Why it happens Moodiness isn’t unique to people with ADHD. All people are moody at times and lose their cool now and then. But it’s very common when people struggle with impulsivity and poor self-control, which are key symptoms of ADHD. People with ADHD also tend to feel anger, anxiety, frustration, or disappointment [more intensely](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-emotions-what-you-need-to-know) than others. (The same can be true of positive emotions.) They can have trouble putting the brakes on their feelings. See [how ADHD affects the brain](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-the-brain) to find out why this happens. ## ADHD medication and moodiness ADHD medication can play a role in mood swings. That’s especially true if those swings keep happening in the late afternoons or early evenings. [Stimulant medications](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-difference-between-stimulant-and-non-stimulant-medication-for-adhd) wear off around then and can sometimes cause a few hours of moodiness. If that’s the case, the dose may need some fine-tuning. Learn the signs of [when ADHD medication may need fine-tuning](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/signs-adhd-medication-needs-fine-tuning). ## What to do next Keep an eye on mental health issues. ADHD often occurs with conditions like anxiety and depression. These can also cause mood swings and need to be treated separately from ADHD. If a bad mood lasts more than a week or two, talk to a medical or mental health professional. Learn more about the link between [ADHD and anxiety](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-anxiety-what-you-need-to-know) and [ADHD and depression](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-depression). --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [ADHD and anger](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-anger-what-you-need-to-know) - People with ADHD tend to feel emotions more intensely than other people do. At the same time, they often have a hard time managing those emotions. They may also have trouble keeping things in perspective. Its all part of ADHD. Even small problems can spark an angry outburst. Kids might lash out at s - [ADHD and emotions](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-emotions-what-you-need-to-know) - - Trouble managing emotions is a common ADHD symptom. - Emotions can feel more intense with ADHD and can get in the way of everyday life. - There are ways to help get control of and manage emotions. Many people know about the main symptoms of ADHD. Trouble with focus and impulsivity are the mo - [All about ADHD medication](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-medication) - Whether youre thinking about ADHD medication for your child, or your child already takes it, theres so much to know. How do the different ADHD medicines work? Will they cause side effects? Having answers can help you make sure your child is getting the maximum benefit from ADHD treatment. 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