Anger and anger expression in adults with high ADHD symptoms

Abstract

This study examined differences in anger and anger expression between college students high in symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disordered (ADHD) and non-ADHD college students. Other emotional and psychological differences were also explored. The ADHD group exhibited significantly higher levels of trait and state anger, more dysfunctional and socially inappropriate ways of expressing anger, as well as more symptoms of psychological distress, more difficulty in interpersonal relations, more high school truancy, and more labile anxious/depressed moods than the non-ADHD group. Parents also reported that their sons and daughters high in ADHD symptoms had higher levels of anger and poorer forms of anger expression than did parents of the non-ADHD individuals. The ADHD group was not, however, more emotionally intense or more emotionally responsive to external consequences. The results are discussed with respect to anger and anger expression, general psychological functioning, and related areas of difficulty for ADHD adults. Implications for the treatment of ADHD college students are outlined.