Attention Deficit & Anger

If you or someone you love has an attention deficit disorder (ADD), you may notice that angry outbursts are common. ADD and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) do not directly cause anger or behavioral issues; instead, other factors may cause people with ADHD to display anger more often than others.

Cause

• Attention deficit disorders affect the brain and behavior of a person differently than someone without the disorder. The lack of focus may make it hard to behave in such a way that is expected, leading to frustration; the frustration, in turn, can cause emotional outbursts, including anger.

Theories

• The website ADDitude theorizes that people with ADD or ADHD are hypersensitive to criticism. This increased sensitivity can lead to interpreting benign comments as provocation. These angry outbursts can be damaging to personal relationships and lead to more frustration.

Dealing with Anger

• Handling anger and frustration that can be a part of ADD or ADHD is important to maintain good interpersonal relationships. Some people benefit from anger-management programs, while others need to take a few moments to calm down before becoming angry with others.