Emotional Dysregulation: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatments

What Is Emotional Dysregulation?

Emotional dysregulation, also known as dysregulation, involves an inability to manage emotions/emotional reactions to stimuli. Some of these specific emotions include frustration, sadness, irritability and anger.

It is common to experience emotional changes if we are triggered, however for most, these feelings may dissipate on their own or they are dealt with in ways that do not cause significant impairment. Those dealing with chronic emotional dysregulation, however, typically have a history of trauma or mental health conditions. When these individuals are triggered, their experience of and reaction to those triggers become so emotionally overwhelming that they are unable to properly process their emotions.

Those with emotional dysregulation can lack self awareness of their emotions but always have the inability to regulate emotions. They will try to avoid any negative emotions and when faced with them,  tend to lack any ability to problem solve their emotions on their own. In earlier developmental stages dysregulation can lead to more intense “growing pains’ or “phases”. When left untreated, it can precipitate  a life-long struggle with family, friends, relationships and coworkers.¹

Emotional Dysregulation In Children

Children who have emotional dysregulation tend to have symptoms at their developmental level. Signs of emotional dysregulation in children may include feeling impatient, becoming very upset or angry when demands are placed on them, and having other types of emotional outbursts without consistency and structure.

Children learn emotional regulation skills from their parents, so if their parents struggle or have mental health issues that are not being treated or managed, children may develop dysregulation as a response to their environment. It’s important children feel safe and are allowed to display their emotions and learn how to manage them from a place of compassion, not punishment.²

Emotional Dysregulation Symptoms

The main symptoms of emotional dysregulation are intense emotional reactions or emotional meltdowns, and poor management of emotions. These emotions can be anything from sadness to anger or irritation.  Feelings are also exacerbated for those dealing with chronic emotional dysregulation and may appear to be exaggerated.

Emotional dysregulation symptoms may include:

• Intense emotional reactions compared to the situation that triggered them
• Not being able to calm down
• Having negative thoughts
• Feeling out of control
• Difficulty coping in a healthy way
• Severe depression
• Disordered eating
• Conflicted personal relationships
• Feeling confused by emotions
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Self-harm behaviors and thoughts
• High risk sexual behaviors
• High conflict relationships

Causes of Emotional Dysregulation

There are a number of things that can  lead to emotional dysregulation. Childhood trauma or childhood emotional neglect usually are the main culprit, as children in early developmental stages need the safety and structure of a consistent and safe environment to learn appropriate coping skills and regulation of their emotions. Experiences like physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or isolation of any kind can be traumatic for children, as well as being in an environment that is unstable and emotionally volatile.

Another cause can be related to genetics and physical brain injuries. Genetics has a role in the development of emotional dysregulation in some children. Studies show that a specific gene is linked to the efficacy of both serotonin and dopamine, which are key neurotransmitters in the stabilization of mood between some adults and their offspring.³. The emotional maturity of a child’s parents greatly impacts the home environment in which the offspring learns to regulate their own feelings.

To add, traumatic brain injuries are also a cause. Brain dysfunction can negatively impact your ability to control your emotional responses. This can occur as a result of car accidents, playing sports, from maltreatment, or any other experience which can put the brain at risk for being hit.

Finally, emotional dysregulation is common for people with ADHD. Individuals with ADHD are neurodivergent, and differences in brain functioning, including ADHD dopamine deficiencies and ADHD executive dysfunction, make emotional dysregulation common.

Related Disorders

Emotional dysregulation can sometimes be a symptom of another mental health issue or an indicator of a potential mental health issue. There are many disorders that can interfere with a person’s ability to control their emotions.

The following are disorders related to emotional dysregulation:⁴

• ADHD: This is a condition that is characterized by impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. ADHD is deemed a neurodevelopmental disorder, and as a result, impacts emotional regulation leading to emotional dysregulation symptomatology.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: BPD is a condition that impacts the way you see yourself and the world around you, including others. BPD impacts the way you experience self-image, emotions and relationships, leading to a lot of difficulty managing emotional reactions.

• Autism: Autism, like ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterized by repetitive actions, sensory processing issues and general social differences. As a result of these variances from the majority of the population, many with Autism can experience emotional dysregulation in their own way.

• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: DMDD is a condition often diagnosed in children where they feel extreme emotions such as irritability, anger and frustration. Emotional dysregulation is a main symptom of DMDD.

• Bipolar Disorder:  Bipolar disorder is a condition that is characterized by discrete periods of mood episodes different from one’s baseline. During these episodes of depression or mania, emotions are poorly regulated.

• PTSD: PTSD is a condition that comes from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. As a result, symptoms of PTSD include emotional dysregulation characterized by negative thoughts, emotional numbness, hypersensitivity, and anxiety.

• OCD: OCD is a condition which leaves you with chronic unwanted thoughts that are hard to ignore. OCD can lead to similar types of emotional dysregulation as other mental health conditions. People with OCD often have more insight about their emotions and thoughts, but feel driven to engage in compulsive behaviors to deal with them.
• Frontal lobe disorder: This is usually a form of traumatic brain injury, and because the frontal lobe impacts personality and emotion, it can lead to issues with emotional dysregulation, impulse issues and issues with motivation.
• Fetal alcohol syndrome: This is a condition in which the child is exposed to alcohol while in their mother’s womb. When this happens, the brain and development of the fetus are implicated, resulting in physical, intellectual and cognitive disabilities as well as regulating and processing emotions.

Emotional Dysregulation Treatment

There are a variety of ways to address issues of emotional dysregulation,  either professionally or at home strategies, that you can incorporate into your life to help you cope. Emotional dysregulation is difficult to deal with, but there are ways to manage it on your own and professionals who can help.

Some of the ways to cope with emotional dysregulation at home include:

• Journaling
• Yoga
• Mindfulness meditation
• Practicing gratitude
• Deep breathing exercises
• Mindful eating
• Setting a sleep routine
• Routine exercise

Therapy

Therapy is a great way to learn how to deal with emotional dysregulation. Specifically, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the treatment of choice given the client-centered approach. DBT helps people by teaching them how to balance emotions while engaging in healthy ways to cope to learn ways to sustain emotions after therapy ends.⁵

One great way to find a therapist for emotional dysregulation issues is by searching an online therapist directory to find a therapist. All licensed therapists are equipped to help people struggling with mental health issues such as emotional dysregulation and may have formal training in treating this issue. Reading reviews and looking at clinician bios to understand the scope of their practice can give you an idea of whether their experience suits your situation. Many therapists offer a free phone consultation to help you know if you’ll be a good fit.

Another way to locate a therapist is by referral, which can come from a trusted loved one or a physician. Healthcare providers often have access to a network of other providers who can be helpful. Going through your physician or specialist is also a great way to keep them in the loop about any treatment options or trauma experienced.

Medication

Medications are a great way to help treat emotional dysregulation. Many times, emotional dysregulation is a symptom of a larger issue, thus taking medications in addition to talk therapy is a best practice. The medications usually attempt to target the underlying condition as there is not one specific medication to tackle dysregulation. It’s important to consider all your options before medication so be sure to discuss this with your medical team before starting or stopping any medications.

Final Thoughts

Emotional dysregulation is difficult to deal with but there are ways to overcome it. By taking account of how you feel, where it comes from and learning ways to manage these emotions better are steps to help you in your recovery. Working with a therapist on setting goals related to improving emotional processing is a great way to start this healing journey.