Clinical Implications of Emotion Dysregulation in ADHD.

Emotion dysregulation is com- mon in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and contributes substantially to ADHD related impairments and comorbidi- ties. The high prevalence of emotional dysregulation (ED) in individuals with ADHD highlights the need to understand the clinical implications of this association, neurobiological correlates, and potential treatment modalities. ED contributes significantly to ADHD adverse outcomes, such as occupational, driving, and legal consequences, and is associated with the development of psychiatric comorbidities. Neurobiological data suggest possible dysfunctions of various subcortical and/or cortical brain regions and an altered connectivity between those regions. Available data suggest that ED is responsive to pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. This article overviews the prevalence of ED in ADHD samples, examines putative neurobiological processes, and discusses pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic strategies for treating ED symptoms of ADHD.