Although ‘ADHD rage’ isn’t a medically recognised term, some people with ADHD use it to describe sudden, intense episodes of anger that can feel hard to manage. In this post, we’ll explore what these experiences are like, possible reasons behind them, and practical ways to cope with them in daily life.
If you regularly browse neurodivergent-related content on social media, you may have stumbled across the term ‘ADHD rage’. While not a formally recognised ADHD characteristic, some people with the condition report that they experience bursts of rage on a frequent basis. When left unmanaged, these incidents can lead to feelings of regret or embarrassment.
According to researchers, ADHD anger episodes are likely to be linked to challenges with emotional dysregulation – something that affects approximately 7 out of 10 adults with ADHD. In people with ADHD, emotional dysregulation is thought to occur due to neurological differences in the brain, whereby the regions involved in impulse control, emotional processing, and self-regulation appear to function differently, making it harder to filter emotional responses or shift out of heightened states once triggered.
Along with emotional dysregulation, there are a few other suggested causes for rage and anger in ADHD.
For example, someone with hyperactive-impulsive or combined ADHD might show their anger more quickly and intensely due to lower impulse control and high emotional reactivity. With these types of ADHD, the urge to react can hit hard and fast – a person might feel compelled to display their frustration immediately and channel all of their energy into that display of frustration. There’s often very little filter between feeling and reacting.
What’s more, people with ADHD can be affected by certain types of medication or find that co-occurring conditions also add to their feelings or rage. Research tells us that comorbid conditions can be a particular issue for adolescents with ADHD.
In adults with ADHD, rage episodes may crop up quickly, appearing as intense emotional outbursts that might sometimes appear ‘over the top’ or disproportionate to the situation.
Physical signs of ADHD-related rage include:
Emotional signs or patterns include:
If you have ADHD and are experiencing issues with rage, it can be helpful to understand your triggers. The following scenarios and circumstances are all typical examples of situations that could lead to emotional dysregulation:
Getting familiar with your triggers and spotting them early is a huge part of managing your feelings and preventing ADHD burnout. When made a habit, this can help to diffuse situations before they escalate.
As well as spotting triggers, there are a number of techniques you can use to calm and control rage caused by ADHD. Here are a few options to try next time you experience an outburst of anger:
You might find you need to practise a combination of these techniques. For example, if you’re in a busy public space, you might want to leave and find a quiet spot, close your eyes and breathe, and then call a friend or loved one to tell them how you feel.
It’s important to not let feelings of rage or anger define you. While, at times, it may feel as though your rage is in control (and not the other way round), it absolutely is possible to stop situations from escalating and take back control, no matter how strong your feelings of anger may be.
If you’re finding it difficult to control your anger and have tried self-management techniques similar to those above, you might benefit from seeking professional support. This might include reaching out to a counsellor, ADHD coach, or support group. You may also want to chat to your GP about medication or alternative treatment options.
Working closely with someone who understands anger in ADHD can help you to recognise what isn’t working and why. This can help you to devise new management strategies going forward.
If you’re an employer and want to help staff with ADHD in the workplace, it’s vital that you recognise ADHD-related rage triggers. This will allow you to adapt your work environment accordingly. Here are a few simple yet powerful actions you can take:
Book in 1:1s: Talk directly with ADHD staff about their triggers or what makes things difficult for them. Having open, honest conversations will help you to build trust and understanding.
Check the sensory environment: Remove any obvious sensory triggers in communal spaces and provide calm, quiet spaces that staff can escape to when needed.
Show understanding and acceptance: Provide training so that everyone understands emotions in ADHD. Make it clear to all staff that emotional struggles are valid and shouldn’t be stigmatised.
Collaborate on a plan: Finally, work on individual strategies with your ADHD employees. This will reassure them that they have your support, and you’ll both have a clear game plan for tough moments.
If rage is something you’re struggling with as part of your ADHD journey, know that you’re not alone. Understanding your brain’s wiring is the first step to finding new ways to cope. With the right tools, support, and a little patience (with yourself!), you can create calmer days ahead. Every step you take counts, so strive for progress, not perfection!
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