ADHD and self-harm: Why people with ADHD are at greater risk

Content warning: This episode discusses self-harm and suicide.
ADHD doesn’t cause self-harm, but the research is clear: People with ADHD — especially women and girls — are significantly more likely to engage in self-harming behaviors, especially during adolescence.
Why is ADHD so closely linked to self-harm? In this episode, Dr. J breaks down how the core features of ADHD — impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, sleep disruption, and difficulty with the “pause button” — can create a perfect storm for dangerous coping. She explains why big emotions hit harder and faster with ADHD, and how that can lead to self-harming behaviors.
Dr. J also shares evidence-based strategies for building safer ways to cope, including DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), self-compassion exercises, and safety planning. And she talks about maintaining the routines that keep ADHD symptoms manageable.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
For more on this topic
Watch: ADHD and emotional dysregulation
Read: Free resources
For a transcript and more resources, visit MissUnderstood on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected].
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