ADHD Mood Swings: Understanding The Symptoms And Triggers

Mood swings, which generally refer to rapid or extreme fluctuations in mood, can negatively impact your mental health and life in general. If you live with mood swings, you might find yourself veering from happiness and contentment to anger or sadness, sometimes on the same day or even within the same hour. While mood swings can affect many people, those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may often experience them as part of emotional dysregulation, which can be a symptom of the disorder. In addition, some people with ADHD live with co-occurring mental health conditions that can contribute to mood swings as well. If mood swings are negatively affecting your life or mental health, consider speaking with a licensed therapist online or in person. 

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What is ADHD? 

ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. You might have a general idea of its association with forgetfulness and restlessness, but ADHD can also involve unseen symptoms that can be debilitating, such as cognitive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation. 

ADHD is a neurological condition that typically affects the brain and nervous system. It is often diagnosed in childhood but usually continues into adulthood. Some individuals may not receive an ADHD diagnosis until they are teenagers or adults.

Living with untreated ADHD can wreak havoc on one’s mental health and ability to live a productive lifestyle. Therefore, it can be crucial to seek a diagnosis from a professional if you suspect you might have ADHD. Even if you don’t receive an ADHD diagnosis, getting in touch with a therapist can help you address any mental health symptoms you may be experiencing.

Some common symptoms of ADHD can include the following:

• An inability to pay attention 
• Disorganization
• Poor time management skills
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsive and risky behavior
• Poor self-control
• Mood swings
• Difficulty completing tasks 

Children with ADHD often experience behavioral concerns like extreme defiance, which may constitute a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder. According to research from the Child Mind Institute, these behavioral challenges often present as mood swings in adulthood. 

Signs of ADHD mood swings

Symptoms of ADHD mood swings may involve the following:

• Feeling elated one moment and depressed the next
• Notable fluctuations in focus
• Difficulty with emotional regulation
• Being prone to distraction
• Difficulty finishing tasks
• A tendency to make careless mistakes
• Speaking without thinking, only to experience intense regret over what you said 

It can be important to note that mood swings can be a symptom of a variety of mental health conditions, not just ADHD. However, if you find yourself frequently experiencing these symptoms and others associated with ADHD, it can be best to consult a professional. Regardless of the cause of your mood swings, addressing them with a therapist’s help can improve your mental health and overall well-being.

Understanding triggers and why mood swings happen

The way a person with ADHD processes information tends to be different from the way a person without ADHD processes information. Often, those with ADHD take in much more information than neurotypical individuals, whose brains typically filter out irrelevant stimuli. This can make people with ADHD more prone to overstimulation, which can play a role in mood swings. Frequently feeling overwhelmed or stressed due to overstimulation can impact a person’s mood.

In addition, ADHD often co-occurs with other disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD). In fact, studies have shown that approximately 14% of those diagnosed with ADHD in childhood are later diagnosed with BPD. BPD is often associated with poor emotional regulation, which can be related to mood swings.

Research suggests that the majority of people with ADHD experience coexisting conditions like depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, all of which may contribute to mood swings as well. Therefore, in many cases, it may be challenging to determine the root of this symptom. This can make it even more vital to seek professional treatment so that you can receive insight and guidance in managing mood swings and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Exploring treatment options

Some of the most common treatment options for ADHD mood swings include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication. Helpful lifestyle changes usually involve eating nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting quality sleep each night.

Meanwhile, therapy can be accessed in person or online. Working with a therapist can empower you to better understand your symptoms, their possible triggers, and how you may respond to and manage them more effectively. 

Benefits of online therapy

Sometimes, mood swings may make it difficult to keep appointments and fulfill obligations. Attending therapy sessions from home via an online therapy platform rather than having to travel to a brick-and-mortar office may make it easier to stick to the therapy process. You can also choose between phone call, video conference, and online chat for each session to further cater to your personal comfort level

Effectiveness of online therapy

Studies suggest that online therapy can be an effective form of treatment for ADHD and a variety of other mental health conditions and concerns. Regardless of the root of your mood swings, online therapy may be able to address and treat it.