International CHADD Conference

Mindfulness, ADHD and emotion

Emotional dysregulation is a common, core symptom of ADHD that is often under-addressed. Even when other treatments are useful, they don’t always touch this key aspect of ADHD. Emotional reactivity can be incredibly disruptive for individuals and families, undermining their own well-being, resilience, and social relationships. On the other hand, several of the most proven benefits of mindfulness regards to stress, anxiety, and emotions. Because of that, mindfulness has been shown useful in children with ADHD as young as seven years old, specifically around emotion. What does ADHD have to do with emotion—and what works best in supporting adults and children in managing their emotions? How does mindfulness affect the emotional impact of ADHD—and can anyone with ADHD practice mindfulness?