ADHD

Improving support for young people to manage their emotions

Led by Professor Aja Murray at the University of Edinburgh

Learning to manage our emotions is an essential part of maintaining good mental health, positive relationships, and overall wellbeing.

However, Foundation-funded research has shown that some young people, particularly those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), find it particularly challenging to recognise and regulate their own feelings. They sometimes act more impulsively, or have stronger emotional reactions, than those without ADHD, which can lead to difficulties.

Fortunately, managing emotions is a skill that can be taught and strengthened with practice. Professor Aja Murray and her team at the University of Edinburgh have designed a project to create useful resources which will help young people to learn, use and develop their emotion regulation skills.

The researchers will develop these resources by working closely and collaboratively with young people and those who support them, from schools and clinicians to parents and charities.

The long-term aim of Aja’s work is to establish this kind of support as a routine part of growing up, for children with and without the extra challenges of a condition like ADHD. If these skills could be embedded into everyday environments, such as at home, in school, and within healthcare settings, it would allow young people to build stronger mental health, wellbeing and resilience.