Dysregulated Behavior in Kids: The Guide to Supporting Self Regulation
As parents and caregivers, we understand the importance of nurturing our children's emotional well-being. However, some children and teens struggle with dysregulated behavior and emotional regulation, leading to strong emotional reactions to small levels of distress leading to disruptive behavior at school and home.
Dysregulation can manifest in many ways, such as temper tantrums, aggression, impulsivity, and anxiety, making it challenging for parents and caregivers to manage.
Children who struggle with emotional regulation may have difficulty paying attention in class, following instructions, and maintaining positive relationships with peers. They may also experience academic difficulties, leading to lower grades and decreased self-esteem.
Supporting self regulation in children is crucial for their well-being and success. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in helping children develop emotional regulation skills, which can positively impact their behavior, academic outcomes, and social relationships.
Teaching children self-regulation skills can help them manage their emotions and behavior more effectively, leading to improved mental health outcomes and better academic performance.
Chapter 1
What is Self Regulation in Children?
Self-regulation refers to the ability to control one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in response to internal and external stimuli in one's environment. It involves managing out of control emotions and impulses, delaying gratification, and adapting to changing situations. That means getting uncomfortable sometimes and creating a window of tolerance and that is exactly what Marina learned to do.
Children and adults need healthy self-regulation skills. Otherwise, we would be in a constant state of activation. Self-regulation skills are essential for children's success in every area of their life including academics, social interactions, and lifelong emotional well-bein
At school, dysregulated children may struggle to pay attention in class and complete academic tasks. They may experience difficulty following instructions, staying organized, and maintaining positive relationships with peers. These academic and social difficulties can lead to decreased motivation, lower academic achievement, and lower self-esteem.
At home, dysregulated children may have difficulty following routines and rules, leading to conflict and tension between family members. Parents and caregivers may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure of how to manage their child's behavior when they lose emotional control, as well as perplexed as to why it is even happening. These children may struggle to communicate their feelings effectively, leading to misunderstandings and further dysregulation.
As dysregulated as some children can get, calming the dysregulated brain and teaching coping and calm brain strategies will change behavior when they are losing control of emotions with consistent effort. So many children and teens like Martina can turn around their behavior when parents get the right tools in their hands.
Chapter 2
What is Behavioral Dysregulation in Children?
Dysregulated children may exhibit a range of dysregulated behaviors that can make their life very stressful for the child and their family. Their constant emotional dysregulation or reactivity to just about anything and everything puts parents on edge and strains relationships. When you can't regulate emotions, conflict is typical.
Their lack of self-soothing and calming down when upset is hard on the child and parent. For Martina and her parents, that was the hardest part of her reactivity, how much it affected their relationship.
Symptoms of Dysregulation:
Frequent mood swings or intense emotional outbursts or reactions to minor events
Emotionally volatile or has emotional outbursts
Poor emotional control
Difficulty managing anger and frustration, leading to verbal or physical outbursts
Poor impulse control, leading to impulsive and reckless behaviors
Difficulty with transitions and changes in routine, leading to resistance or oppositional behavior
Difficulty with self-regulation, such as calming down or self-soothing when upset
Difficulty paying attention and staying focused, leading to academic difficulties and poor performance
Difficulty with social skills, such as making and maintaining friendships
Always saying, “No” before saying “yes” to something
Non-compliant behaviors
Poor sleep habits or disrupted sleep patterns
Sensory processing issues or sensory reactivity
Cognitive dysregulation, poor mental control and problems with attention
Physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or muscle tension in response to stress.
Chapter 3
Signs of Dysregulated Kids: Emotional Dysregulation Symptoms
A person who cannot control their emotions exhibits signs of behavioral and brain dysregulation. This occurs when brain waves become over or under stimulated, which can occur for a variety of reasons, but with emotionally dysregulated children and teens, this occurs because of poor emotional regulation.
When the brain becomes dysregulated, especially in the emotional centers of the brain, then it becomes hard for a child or teen to process emotionally coded information. What causes emotional dysregulation may be perplexing to parents but a stress activated nervous system is often the source.
When a child is emotionally disregulated, a child's or teen's are emotions out of control or they are emotionally unregulated. When a child is feeling dysregulated, they feel out of control, shameful and unable to put the brakes on.
If a child is unable to regulate emotions, we need to put our detective hat on and look for root causes.
Emotional Dysregulation Causes that Lead to Dysregulated Behavior
The brain is responsible for processing and regulating emotions, and when this system is disrupted, emotional dysregulation can occur.Dysregulated children may have difficulty with emotional self-regulation, leading to difficulties in attention, behavior, and social interactions.
While there is no emotional regulation disorder, emotional regulation impairment or loss of emotional control is common in many clinical issues, especially with neurodivergentconditions.
Download: 147 Therapist-Endorsed Self-Regulation Strategies for Children
➡️ Is your child overly sensitivie or reactive? ➡️ Is your child inflexible? ➡️Do they cry over seemingly nothing?
Tired of walking on eggshells around your child's mood, behavior and emotions? It's time you take back control! Stop the cycle of dysregulation and achieve calm with these proven self-regulation strategies.
Chapter 4
The Brain and Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional regulation is a complex process that involves various regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus.
The limbic system is responsible for interpreting emotional information and it includes the amygdala and hippocampus. The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions, including fear, anger, and pleasure. The hippocampus plays a role in memory and emotional regulation. These regions interpret potential “threats” but in a dysregulated, overactive brain, it misinterprets everything as a threat.
Dysregulation can occur when the prefrontal cortex is not adequately regulating the amygdala's emotional responses. The braking system of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive function, such as planning and decision-making, struggles to do its job. When this happens, emotional responses can become exaggerated, leading to emotional dysregulation and one to react emotionally.
Signs of a dysregulated nervous system include agitation, sleep problems, gastro-intestinal distress. Learning how to how to control emotions and gaining emotional regulation skills help to calm an activated nervous system.
The first step of our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program is a QEEG Brain Map and there is a clear pattern of brain dysregulation that emerges with reactive kids that reflects difficulties in these areas. The Brain Map is an important diagnostic tool that helps us understand what clinical issues are affecting a child’s capacity to respond. Even though dysregulated kids get diagnoses such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder because they are so resistant to everything, there is much we can do to calm a dysregulated brain including neurofeedback, PEMF, and magnesium.
Chapter 5
Why are Some Kids so Over-Reactive?
Children can uncontrollable emotion and be overly emotional for various reasons, including behavioral modeling at home, genetic predisposition, trauma, or environmental factors.
Children who experience trauma or adverse childhood experiences may have difficulty with emotional regulation and display uncontrolled emotions leading to dysregulation. Trauma emotional dysregulation is often related to trauma stored within the nervous system. Trauma and emotional dysregulation is well documented in the literature and needs to be discussed more as we expand our understanding of trauma.
Environmental factors, such as stress or lack of sleep, can also contribute to dysregulation. So what does emotional dysregulation look like? It is more than just trouble controlling emotions and it is an inability to control emotions and further an inability to regulate emotions due to an over activated limbic system.
Here are signs that your nervous system is dysregulated:
Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors
Type of Dysregulated Behavior
Definition
Examples
Internalizing
Dysregulated behaviors that are directed inward, often manifesting as emotional or psychological distress.
Emotional dysregulation is a common and perfectly normal experience, particularly for children who are still developing their self-regulation skills. Tantrums and big reactions every once in a while is something every child experiences.
However, persistent dysregulation can be a sign of a clinical problem that is impacting a child's development and well-being. Children who experience chronic dysregulation may struggle with social interactions, academic performance, and communication skills.
There are different types of emotions that we all need and even anger can be a healthy emotion when it is something brief and an appropriate response to a situation.
No child wants to be angry and upset and boy do they feel awful afterwards. Martina was so ashamed of her years of emotional upset, that we had to spend more time doing cognitive-behavioral therapy addressing that shame. Then we went on to calm her brain with neurofeedback. The benefit of neurofeedback is that it regulates the brain safely and naturally. For Martina, that paved the way for cognitive-behavioral work that taught her ways in controlling emotions that changed her and her family's lives.
Chapter 7
Brain and Behavioral Dysregulation Triggers
So what triggers emotional dysregulation?Certain triggers can lead to brain and behavioral dysregulation in children, including stress, fatigue, hunger, and overstimulation. Children may also struggle with dysregulation when faced with novel or overwhelming situations. Understanding a child's triggers can help parents and caregivers provide support and prevent dysregulation from occurring.
It's important to note that what causes dysregulation triggers for dysregulated behavior can be complex and multifaceted, and may require a holistic and individualized approach to support self-regulation and well-being.
Encourage children to recognize their triggers and use strategies proactively, before they become overwhelmed or dysregulated. Reinforcing positive behavior and practicing strategies consistently can also support the development of self-regulation skills over time.
Even when you have clinical disorders such as anxiety, ADHD or autism, the neurodivergent brain can learn when their nervous system is regulated and there is a high level or reinforcement.
If dysregulated behavior persists or becomes severe, seeking professional support is always a good idea.
Chapter 8
How Does Emotional Self Regulation in Children Develop?
As children grow and develop, their emotional regulation skills begin to mature and become more refined. In the early years, infants and toddlers rely on their caregivers to help them regulate their emotions. This is because their brains and nervous systems are not yet fully developed. They have not yet developed the cognitive and emotional tools necessary to manage their own emotions.
As children enter the preschool years, they begin to develop some basic emotional regulation skills. They may start to use language to express their emotions and may engage in simple self-soothing behaviors like sucking their thumb or holding a favorite toy. They may also start to learn basic problem-solving skills, like how to ask for help when they need it.
A typical uncontrolled emotional outburst is called a tantrum and most kids go through them. It is normal for a young child to can't control emotions or show difficulty regulating emotionsat first but over time most will learn to emotionally regulate with practice.
As children move into the school-age years, their emotional regulation skills become more complex. When developing typically, they start to use more sophisticated problem-solving strategies to manage their emotions, such as taking a break or engaging in physical activity to help calm down.
When they have good modeling at home and school, they start to develop a better understanding of their own emotions and the emotions of others, which is reflected in good communication and social skills.
Throughout adolescence, emotional regulation skills continue to develop and mature. Adolescents may begin to rely more on cognitive strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal or positive self-talk, to manage their emotions. For teens that really develop strong emotional intelligence, they may also develop a greater sense of self-awareness and a better understanding of their own emotional triggers, which can help them anticipate and manage their emotions more effectively.
It's important to note that emotional regulation skills continue to develop into early adulthood, with the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for executive functioning and emotional control) continuing to develop well into the mid-20s. Those with emotional regulation issues have poor impulse control and typically poor executive functioning.
This means that young adults may still be developing and refining their emotional regulation skills, which highlights the importance of ongoing support and education around emotional regulation throughout childhood and adolescence.
Chapter 9
What Does the Research Say About Self-Regulation and Mental Health?
Research has shown that self-regulation skills are crucial for mental health and well-being. Children who have developed self-regulation skills have better outcomes in academic achievement, social interactions, and mental health.
A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that self-regulation skills in early childhood were a significant predictor of mental health outcomes in adolescence and adulthood (Blair & Raver, 2015).
Another study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology found that self-regulation skills in early childhood predicted better social and academic outcomes in middle childhood (Morgan et al., 2016).
Research has also shown that dysregulation is associated with various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that dysregulated preschool children were at a higher risk for developing behavioral and emotional disorders (Lavigne et al., 2015).
Another study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology found that dysregulated children were more likely to experience anxiety and depression symptoms (Wagner et al., 2016).
Dysregulated Behaviors and their Potential Impact on Academic, Social and Emotional Functioning
Chapter 10
Foundational Skills for Emotional and Behavioral Self-Regulation
Some children are born with a high emotional IQ but most learn the skills over time. When a child has clinical issues such as ADHD, anxiety, autism, learning disability or another issue that impacts brain regulation, then learning simply isn’t as easy.
When one cannot regulate emotions, they have difficulty controlling emotions and havechronic dysregulation behavioral issues. Those deregulated emotions can show up as overly irritated or angry responses, shut down behaviors, tearfulness, and just “big emotions.”
The first step in treating emotional dysregulation is flipping that internal script that children and teens say to themselves, “I cannot control my emotions” to I can control my reaction to uncomfortable sensations, thoughts and feelings.
Children who struggle with emotional and behavioral dysregulation need extra and explicit reinforcement in developing foundational skills that can help them regulate their emotions and behaviors effectively.
Slow Down and Create Space
One of the most important foundational skills for emotional and behavioral self-regulation is the ability to slow down and be mindful. This skill involves taking a moment to pause and reflect before reacting to a situation. By creating space, children can gain a clearer perspective on the situation and make more appropriate responses.
Connect to the Body
Children who struggle with emotional and behavioral dysregulation may benefit from techniques that help them connect with their bodies, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga. These techniques can help children become more aware of their bodily sensations, so they can learn to understand the range of emotions they are experiencing.
Learn How to Tolerate Uncomfortable Sensations
Another foundational skill for emotional and behavioral self-regulation is the ability to tolerate uncomfortable sensations. By doing this, one can find healthy coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions and experiences.
Label Emotions
Children who are able to identify and label their emotions accurately are better equipped to regulate their emotions effectively. Labeling emotions can help children understand what they are feeling and why, which can aid in emotional regulation.
Be Kind to Your Mind
This skill involves adopting a growth mindset and embracing mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. By being kind to themselves, children can develop a more positive relationship with their thoughts and emotions, which can aid in emotional regulation.
Use Positive Language
Children who use positive self-talk are better equipped to regulate their emotions effectively. Using positive language can help children reframe negative thoughts and emotions in a more positive light, which aids in emotional regulation and handling upset and frustration.
Chapter 11
How Can I Teach My Child Self-Regulation Skills?
Teaching self-regulation skills to children can help them develop emotional regulation and better mental health outcomes. Here are some tips for teaching self-regulation behavioral skills to children:
Model self-regulation: Children learn by example, so it's essential to model self-regulation skills. Practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk.
Provide a safe and predictable environment: A predictable environment can help children feel secure and less anxious. Stick to routines, provide clear expectations, and offer a calm and safe environment.
Encourage problem-solving: Encourage children to problem-solve and come up with solutions to challenging situations. This can help them feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Offer choices: Offer children choices to help them feel more in control of their environment. This can also help them develop decision-making skills.
Practice patience: Learning self-regulation skills takes time and patience. Be patient with your child and offer support and guidance.
Chapter 12
Parent Strategies for Emotional Dysregulation
By understanding why emotional dysregulation occurs and implementing effective coping mechanisms, parents can help their children develop healthy emotional regulation skills for a lifetime. Understanding their emotional condition and emotional deficit is important to getting the right treatment.
Download: 147 Therapist-Endorsed Self-Regulation Strategies for Children
➡️ Is your child overly sensitivie or reactive? ➡️ Is your child inflexible? ➡️Do they cry over seemingly nothing?
Tired of walking on eggshells around your child's mood, behavior and emotions? It's time you take back control! Stop the cycle of dysregulation and achieve calm with these proven self-regulation strategies.
Chapter 13
What are Self-Regulation Strategies for Children?
There are many self-regulation strategies that children can use to help manage their emotions and behaviors. Here are some self-regulation strategies for children:
Deep breathing
Deep breathing can help children calm down and manage their emotions. Encourage your child to take deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help children focus on the present moment and reduce anxiety. Encourage your child to practice mindfulness exercises, such as focusing on their breath or using their senses to observe their environment.
Positive Self-Talk
Encourage your child to use positive self-talk to help manage their emotions. Teach them to say positive things to themselves, such as “I can do this” or “I am strong.”
Sensory activities
Sensory activities can help children regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety. Offer your child sensory activities, such as playing with playdough or squeezing a stress ball.
Exercise
Exercise can help children release pent-up frustrations, improve executive functioningand manage their emotions. Encourage your child to engage in physical activity, such as playing outside or taking a dance class.
Chapter 14
How to Help a Child Calm Down?
Helping a child calm down can be challenging, but there are many strategies that parents and caregivers can use to help. Here are some tips for helping a child calm down:
It's essential to remain calm when a child is upset. This can help the child feel more secure and less overwhelmed.
Offer comfort to the child, such as a hug or a soothing voice. This can help the child feel supported and safe.
Encourage the child to take deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth. This can help them regulate their emotions and calm down.
Provide a safe and quiet space for the child to calm down. This can be a designated calm-down space, such as a cozy corner or a beanbag chair.
Sensory activities, such as playing with playdough or squeezing a stress ball, can help children calm down and manage their emotions.
Chapter 15
Co-Regulation: Sharing Your Calm
Co-regulation refers to the process of regulating emotions together with another person. Co-regulation is an essential part of developing self-regulation skills and can be particularly helpful for dysregulated children. Parents and caregivers can co-regulate with children by sharing their calm and helping children regulate their emotions.
Here are some tips for co-regulating with children:
It's essential to remain calm when co-regulating with children, so you can be an A-game parent in dealing with your dysregulated child.
Offer comfort to the child, such as a hug or a soothing voice when there is emotional lability.
Model self-regulation skills to help the child learn self-regulation.
Practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing and positive self-talk.
Use calm spaces together in your home or neighborhood.
Chapter 16
Mindfulness and Self-Regulation
Mindfulness is a technique that involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness can help children develop self-regulation skills and manage their emotions, as learning how to manage your emotions will help them in the immediate and the future.
It can also improve attention, focus and executive functioning, leading to better academic outcomes.
Here are some tips for practicing mindfulness with children:
Practice mindfulness exercises
Practice mindfulness exercises with your child, such as focusing on their breath or using their senses to observe their environment.
Offer Guided Meditations
Offer guided meditations to help your child practice mindfulness. There are many mindfulness apps and resources available for children.
Use Mindfulness in Everyday Activities
Encourage your child to practice mindfulness in everyday activities, such as eating or brushing their teeth. Teach them to focus on the present moment and avoid distractions.
Chapter 17
Self-Regulation Examples
So what does emotional dysregulation mean? Signs of dysregulation in children, teens and adults can show up at any point in life. Most of the time, children who display exaggerated emotions in reaction to situational stressors and these dysregulated behaviors pass.
When there is severe emotional dysregulation, show signs of dysregulation where they are struggling emotionally much of the time. There is a lack of emotional control in response to a real or perceived stressor. Not being able to control emotions leads to an activated, overly reactive nervous system. Examples of emotional dysregulation include flashes or anger or irritation with simple requests. These neurodivergent symptoms are common with ODD, ADHD, OCD, ASD, RSD and PDA.
How to regulate your emotions means learning how to manage emotions. So sometimes, one has to learn how to control emotions for someone or something. That isn't easy for kids or adults. Managing intense feelings when you are lacking emotional regulation feels impossible until you learn how to deal with emotions, sensations and thoughts.
It isn't about how to suppress emotions but rather how to stop being so emotional in your reactions to everyday stressors. Gaining in my control, out of control sensations is part of gaining skills to deal with extreme emotions when you are emotionally frustrated.
Emotional regulation refers to being able to react to a stressor and recover. Many kids and teens feel like, “I can't regulate my emotions” because they don't know how to react. In order to know how to fix emotional dysregulation, knowing what regulated behaviors are is the first step.
Here are some self-regulation examples to help you see the power every parent has in helping their dysregulated child calm their brain so they can learn how to control my emotions:
Taking deep breaths: Encourage your child to take deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth to calm down and regulate their emotions.
Using positive self-talk: Teach your child to use positive self-talk to manage their emotions. Encourage them to say positive things to themselves, such as “I can do this” or “I am strong.”
Engaging in physical activity: Encourage your child to engage in physical activity to release pent-up energy and manage their emotions.
Do brain training: Using tools such as CALM PEMF™ that send healthy frequencies to the body that support cellular function and communication, as well as bring the ANS into a calm parasympathetic state, can be an easy and effective way to calm the brain.
These emotional regulation techniques can help prevent emotional volatility, emotionally reactive behaviors, and emotional meltdowns. When kids are have less emotional reactive behaviors, they can gain the skills and self confidence to tackle affect dysregulation and gain emotion control.
Chapter 18
Social Skills and Emotional Regulation
Treatment for emotional dysregulation often involves teaching social skills to children is essential for their social and emotional development. Just because a child likes other kids, doesn't mean they have good social skills. Social skills refer to the ability to communicate, interact, and build relationships with others.
In particular, it involves the back and forth interactions that form reciprocal communication. Many children who lack social skills that drive emotional upset may lack true reciprocal communication skills.
Developing social skills can also help children develop emotional regulation and is how to fix dysregulation for some kids who lack skills, as well improvemetacognitive skills and better mental health outcomes. Research has shown that social competence is related to self-regulation, and social skills interventions can improve self-regulation and emotional control (Zhou et al., 2012). Emotional dysregulation signs in the social area also include social avoidance.
We are social beings and we need to connect with others and good social skills is the path to that. So many children I work with struggle because their lack of good emotional regulation turns other children off. Supporting emotional and social functioning is multifaceted for sure.
Here are some ways that social skills can impact emotional regulation:
Social Support
Having social support can help children regulate their emotions and cope with stress. Children who have strong social connections are more likely to have better emotional regulation and mental health outcomes.
Social Cues
Social cues, such as facial expressions and body language, can impact emotional regulation. Children who have good social skills are better able to interpret social cues and regulate their emotions accordingly.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution skills can help children manage their emotions during conflict and prevent dysregulation. Teaching these skills can help them develop emotional regulation and social competence.
Here are some tips for teaching social skills to children:
Positive reinforcement can encourage children to use social skills and develop emotional regulation. Praise children for using social skills and managing their emotions effectively.
Social skills interventions can improve social competence and emotional regulation in children. These interventions can involve group therapy, peer support, and individual counseling.
Chapter 19
Self-Regulation and ADHD
Children with ADHD may struggle with self-regulation due to difficulties with attention and executive function. Behavioral disinhibition is the foundation of all learning, so if a child can’t put the brakes on, developing healthy self-regulation skills is nearly impossible.
Many children with ADHD (about 70%) also have rejection sensitive dysphoria, which means they have big emotional reactions to real or perceived criticism or rejection. So, emotional reactivity is par for the course for many children with ADHD and their families.
The frontal lobes control attention and executive functioning and they factor into how a child is able to modulate the information they are receiving. With such poor self regulatory control, it can be hard for a child with ADHD to develop these skills but certainly not impossible.
ADHD and emotional dysregulation may go hand and hand but skills can be taught. Teaching self-regulation skills can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD and with concerted and consistent effort, they can learn these skills. Strategies such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and positive self-talk can help children with ADHD manage their emotions and improve attention and focus. Adding in brain training such as neurofeedback for ADHD can make all the difference in a child’s and family’s life.
Chapter 20
Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation
Children with sensory processing issues may have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors. Sensory processing refers to the brain's ability to process sensory information from the environment. Behavior dysregulation can lead to body dysregulation where kids can be reactive to sensory information.
A sensory diet can be elan incredibly helpful emotional dysregulation therapy. Sensory activities, such as playing with playdough or using a weighted blanket, can help children with sensory processing issues regulate their emotions and behavior.
Anxiety and emotional dysregulation is also common with children with sensory processing disorder. Anticipatory anxiety about sensory discomfort causes one to avoid tasks or activities.
Chapter 21
Executive Functioning and Emotional Control
So, what's emotional dysregulation and its connection to executive functioning? Executive function is closely related to self-regulation, as it involves inhibiting impulses and managing emotions. Executive functioning refers to the brain's ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks.
The ability to put the brakes on the mostfoundational EF skillneeded for self-regulation.
Children with executive function difficulties may have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors. Children with issues such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism and NVLD typically have EF challenges.
I recall a boy named Paul with NVLD that would become so dysregulated every time his dad asked him to do anything outside. It became a battle of wills between the two with dad getting angry at Paul. “Couldn’t do basic outdoor tasks such as watering the plants”.
His lack of executive functioning was a big part of it because he just didn’t know what dad wanted for this task he didn’t like on top of it. Eventually, with some executive functioning coaching, Paul was able to gain the right skills to complete dad’s chore list.
Teaching executive function skills, such as problem-solving and decision-making, can help children develop emotional control and self-regulation skills and should be a priority.
Chapter 22
Emotional Regulation and Anxiety
Anxiety can impact a child's ability to regulate their emotions, leading to emotional regulation problems. Anxious kids feel things strongly and they are often uncomfortable as a result, which makes them easily unravel.
Children with anxiety may display emotionally dysregulated symptoms or have difficulty managing their emotions in response to triggers, leading to behavioral issues and social challenges. Identifying and learning strategies to tolerate uncomfortable sensations, calm the brain and gain coping skills is key.
Teaching anxiety management strategies, such as mindfulness and positive self-talk, can help children with anxiety regulate their emotions and improve their well-being.
Chapter 23
Exercises to Calm the Brain
Sohow do you heal a dysregulated nervous system? You have to calm the brain first. When you struggle with affect-dysregulation or even have an affect regulation disorder, you just aren't regulated enough to learn or use coping skills.
There are many exercises that children can use to calm their brains and regulate their emotions. Here are some exercises to calm the brain:
Encourage your child to take deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth to calm down and regulate their emotions.
Guide your child through a visualization exercise, such as imagining a peaceful place or visualizing a calm and soothing color.
Guide your child through a progressive muscle relaxation exercise, where they tense and relax different muscle groups.
Offer your child sensory activities, such as playing with playdough or using a weighted blanket, to help them regulate their emotions.
Types of Self-Regulation Strategies
Emotional regulation starts with healthy brain regulation, so supporting brain regulation in children is crucial for their well-being and success.
Dysregulation can impact a child's development and mental health, leading to behavioral issues, academic difficulties, and social challenges. Teaching self-regulation skills to children can help them develop emotional regulation and better mental health outcomes.
Co-regulation can help dysregulated children regulate their emotions and develop self-regulation skills.
Chapter 24
Therapies For Emotional Regulation
Knowing how to help emotional dsyregulation in children and teens is multi-faceted. Children need the skills to how to not be emotionally reactive and how to regulate emotions when triggered. They need to understand, “Why an I not control my emotions” and “Why do I have emotional outbursts” and what to do about it.
How to deal with emotional dysregulation can be an emotional struggle for the child and parent. Emotional regulation therapy can help a child gain skills to manage dysregulated emotions and parents the tools to support dysregulation symptoms.
Fortunately, there are several therapies that can help with calming the brain and emotional regulation. Learning how to stop reacting emotionally is key for healthy stress management. These skills are also key to preventing them becoming dysregulated adults and a variety of dysregulation disorder in adults, including anxiety, OCD and mood dysregulation in adults.
There is no “best medication for emotional dysregulation” because emotion regulation therapy focuses on gaining skills.
These natural therapies can help children and teens be regulated enough to learn new ways of coping with their emotions and improve their overall well-being.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a type of therapy that involves using an electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor brain waves. The goal of this therapy is to teach individuals how to regulate their own brainwaves, which is designed to regulate the brain. Neurofeedback can be particularly effective for individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because it is safe and natural to calm the brain.
PEMF
PEMF, or Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy, is a non-invasive therapy that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. PEMF has been used with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. PEMF therapy has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions that impact mental health. Many people are deficient in magnesium, which can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The research is clear that taking magnesium supplements or increasing magnesium-rich foods in your diet can help improve emotional regulation.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a type of therapy that is particularly effective for children who struggle with emotional dysregulation. Play therapy involves using toys and games to help children express their emotions and learn new ways of coping with them by role playing. Play therapy is designed to help those that have difficulty expressing their emotions in words.
Exercise
Exercise can not only improve neurotransmitter activity and calm the brain, it canimprove executive functioningand sensory processing. Whether there is emotional dysfunction or an emotion dysregulation disorder, exercise can improve impulse control, which is needed to control reactivity.
Parent Therapy and Coaching
Parent therapy focuses on helping parents learn new ways of interacting with their children. And let’s face it, when you have a highly emotional child, you need help! Parent coaching can help parents learn new ways of responding to their children's emotional reactivity, about co-regulation and how to shape behaviors, all of which can lead to improved emotional regulation.
School Support for Self Regulation
Children and teens who struggle with how to not react emotionally to everyday life stressors, poor emotional regulation, or have emotional outbursts could be the result of another clinical issue such as ADHD, autism, learning issues, concussion, anxiety, disruptive mood disorder, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, etc., may require an IEP or 504 plan. Creating IEP goals for self regulation is key to giving kids with dysfunctional emotional regulation with skills in order to improve attention and learning.
Psychotherapy
In psychotherapy, a therapist can help the individual identify patterns of behavior and thought that may be contributing to their emotional dysregulation and teach them new ways of coping with their emotions.
If you are a parent struggling with your child's emotional dysregulation, the BrainBehaviorReset™ Program can be your path to get the help your child needs to develop the skills they need to manage their emotions and behavior. By combining the best of what science shows us to calm the brain and learn new skills, including neurofeedback, PEMF, supplements, and parent coaching, our program is designed to target the root causes of emotional dysregulation and help your child build the resilience they need to thrive.
We understand that every child is unique and that their journey towards emotional regulation will be different. That is why our program is tailored to meet the specific needs of your child and family. We work closely with you every step of the way to ensure that your child gets the best possible care and support.
Don't let emotional dysregulation continue to disrupt your child's life and the lives of those around them. Take action today and apply to work with us in our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program. Help your child reach their full potential and help them thrive.
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“Dysregulated” refers to the inability to properly regulate or manage emotional or behavioral responses. It often involves excessive or unpredictable emotional reactions, difficulty calming down, or impulsive behavior. This term is commonly associated with various mental health conditions and emotional challenges.
What Is the Dysregulation Definition?
The definition of dysregulation, especially in the context of emotional health, involves challenges in managing emotional responses effectively. When asking “what is emotion dysregulation,” it refers to difficulties in controlling emotional reactions, leading to disproportionate or prolonged responses to situations. Similarly, “what is emotional disregulation” focuses on the inability to regulate emotions, often resulting in unpredictable or excessive emotional reactions.
What Is Emotion Regulation in Psychology?
Emotion regulation in psychology is the process individuals use to manage and modify their emotional reactions to achieve a desired state.
Define Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation is the ability to effectively manage and respond to an emotional experience in a way that is adaptive and functional.
What Does Affect Mean?
Affect refers to the observable expression of emotions, often including facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.
Overly Emotional Meaning
Being overly emotional means experiencing and expressing emotions more intensely or more frequently than is typical in a given context.
What Is Overreacting a Symptom Of?
Overreacting can be a symptom of emotional dysregulation or an underlying mental health issue, where responses to stimuli are exaggerated or inappropriate.
Emotional Dysregulation Examples
Examples of emotional dysregulation include extreme mood swings, intense emotional outbursts, or chronic irritability.
What Is Dysregulation Disorder?
Dysregulation disorder refers to a condition where an individual has persistent difficulty in regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, often impacting daily functioning.
What are Some Other Names for Disorders of Emotional Regulation?
While there is no formal emotional regulation disorder in the DSM, there are many names associated with dysregulation, including:
over emotional disorder
overly emotional disorder
overwhelming emotions disorder
emotion regulation disorder
emotional processing disorder
mood regulation disorder
emotional regulation disorder
emotional reactivity disorder
emotional dysregulation disorder
can't control emotions disorder
emotion disorder
emotional regulation disorders
emotional disregulation disorder
dysregulated emotion disorder
psychological dysregulation disorder
regulation disorder
emotional disorder
emotional disorders
What Is an Emotional Control Definition?
Emotional control, often referred to as emotional self-regulation or emotional regulation, is defined as the ability to manage and modify one's emotional reactions in a way that is appropriate to the situation.
What Is EDD Mental Health?
In mental health, EDD typically stands for ‘Emotional Dysregulation Disorder,' a term that may be used to describe conditions characterized by extreme emotional responses and a lack of emotional self-regulation.
Is Emotional Dysregulation a Disability?
Emotional dysregulation itself is not classified as a disability, but it can be a significant aspect of certain mental health conditions that are recognized as disabilities, such as Borderline Personality Disorder or certain mood disorders.
Is There Medication for Emotional Dysregulation?
Medication for emotional regulation is commonly used by individuals trying to manage symptoms of emotional dysregulation with very mixed results. These medications typically include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics, and are prescribed based on the individual's specific symptoms and underlying conditions related to emotional dysregulation.
What Is a Person Who Can Control Their Emotions Called?
A person who can effectively control their emotions is often referred to as being emotionally regulated or having good emotional regulation skills. This trait is associated with emotional intelligence and resilience.
Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?
Losing control of emotions can occur due to various factors, such as stress, fatigue, mental health conditions, or lack of coping skills. Emotional responses can be intensified by situations that trigger strong feelings or when an individual lacks the tools to manage their emotional reactions effectively.
What Is Emotional Dysregulation Treatment?
Emotional dysregulation treatment encompasses a variety of approaches including therapy, alternative treatments, and lifestyle changes. Common therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and behavior therapy, which focus on developing skills for better emotion regulation. In addition to these, treatments like neurofeedback and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy) are also used for their potential benefits in regulating emotions. Nutritional interventions, such as changes in diet and supplements, can also play a role in managing symptoms of emotional dysregulation.
Is Neurofeedback Effective for Emotional Dysregulation?
Neurofeedback is an effective tool for managing emotional dysregulation. This non-invasive therapy involves training the brain to regulate its own activity, which can lead to improved emotional control and reduced symptoms of dysregulation. Studies have found that neurofeedback can help in reducing symptoms associated with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, which often involve aspects of emotional dysregulation. It is important to note that neurofeedback is typically most effective when combined with other therapies and lifestyle changes.
Can Diet and Supplements Improve Emotional Regulation?
Yes, diet and supplements can play a significant role in improving emotional regulation. Nutritional psychiatry suggests that what we eat affects not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being. A balanced diet rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals is known to support brain health and may help in regulating emotions. Supplements such as magnesium, zinc, and certain B vitamins have also been associated with improved mood and emotional stability. However, it's important to approach diet and supplements as part of a broader strategy for emotional regulation, which may include therapy, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.
How Do I Control My Emotions?
To control your emotions, start by practicing mindfulness and awareness of your feelings. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help in calming intense emotions. Learning to stop being emotional involves recognizing triggers and implementing coping strategies like cognitive reframing or positive self-talk. If you're wondering how to turn off emotions, it's important to understand that completely turning off emotions isn't healthy, but rather, the goal is to regulate and manage them effectively. Engaging in activities like regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can also contribute to better emotional control. Additionally, learning to control your emotions can be greatly aided by therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which provides tools and techniques for emotional regulation.
Emotional Regulation for Adults
Emotional regulation for adults, particularly those experiencing emotional dysregulation, involves developing strategies to manage and balance their emotional responses. Adults with emotional dysregulation may face challenges like mood swings, intense emotional reactions, and difficulty in returning to a calm state after being upset. To improve emotional regulation, it's crucial to practice mindfulness and self-awareness, recognize emotional triggers, and implement coping strategies like deep breathing, meditation, and cognitive reframing. Seeking therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can provide additional tools and techniques for managing emotions. Additionally, lifestyle changes like regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are beneficial in promoting emotional stability.
What Are Common Symptoms of Emotional Dysregulation in Adults?
Common symptoms of emotional dysregulation in adults include:
Intense Emotional Reactions: Experiencing emotions more intensely than the situation warrants.
Rapid Mood Swings: Quick shifts in mood that may seem disproportionate to external events.
Difficulty Calming Down: Struggling to return to a stable emotional state after an intense experience.
Impulsive Behaviors: Acting without thinking, often driven by current emotional states.
Chronic Irritability or Anger: Feeling persistently irritable, angry, or easily provoked.
Emotional Sensitivity: Reacting strongly to emotional stimuli or taking things personally.
Difficulty in Relationships: Challenges in maintaining stable relationships due to emotional volatility.
Feelings of Shame or Guilt: Frequent feelings of shame or guilt, especially after emotional outbursts.
These symptoms can vary in severity and may impact various aspects of one’s daily life.
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
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She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
How to Help a Child Calm Down?
How to Help a Child Calm Down?
