Emotional Dysregulation: The Missing Link of ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often discussed in terms of attention and focus—just look at the name—but for many of us, the emotional chaos, or dysregulation—is the most debilitating part. 

Emotional dysregulation can lead to overstimulation, burnout, and overwhelm. It can manifest as reactivity, heightened sensitivity, and feeling anxious and exhausted and revved up. simultaneously.

A Shift in Perspective

Kinetic Cognitive Style (KCS) is an alternate term for ADHD, coined by neurodivergent author and educator, Dr. Nick Walker (https://neuroqueer.com). KCS is neurodivergent-affirming, emphasizing the kinetic nature of the ADHD brain, which is active, lively; dynamic, energizing. This perspective frames attention challenges as a difference (not a deficit), thus interrupting stigma by encouraging a strength-based mindset.

The ADHD brain has a beautiful capacity for creative, non-linear thinking and an ability to fully immerse in exciting topics. However, it can be easy to get lost in our own minds. There can be the expectation for everything to make linear sense, to fit together neatly. But when it comes to emotions, we must tap into the wisdom of the heart and the body.

The Creative Solution

Expressive arts therapy uses creativity to connect to the emotions, which reside in the body. When we can slow down and get into the body and into expression, we create the space for something real and true to arise.

Through the tool of externalization, we move the emotions (the overwhelm, anxiety, the trauma, etc.) out of the body and onto the page, into a sound, or into movement. This separation allows us to have a dialogue with the emotions.

Whatever is troubling us—sadness, heartache, anxiousness, depression—can be given a name, a voice, a sound, a picture, a symbol. This is not about making something pretty. It is about expressing what has been repressed, about giving shape to what is and true and alive.

Using intentional curiosity, we begin to make new neural connections into the right-brain hemisphere. We court and dance with the creative, emotion-oriented parts. With time and devotion, we begin to feel whole once again, as we integrate those parts of ourself that we have ignored, rejected, and unloved aspects—our Shadow.

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