Emotion Dysregulation

WHAT IT IS

Emotion dysregulation is a pattern of difficulty in responding effectively (e.g., consistent with values and situation) in the presence of an emotional trigger. Dysregulation may come in the form of difficulty regulating the intensity of one’s emotions, the rapid onset of the emotional state, and the length of the emotional state. Individuals with emotion dysregulation may react impulsively and in ways that either exacerbate the situation (e.g., screaming at someone) or prevent the situation from resolving (e.g., shutting down and refusing to speak to someone). 

Emotional dysregulation difficulties occur on a spectrum. Lower level concerns with dysregulation often involve the ability to function fairly well in day-to-day life (e.g., attending work) but may involve distress or exhaustion in doing so. Moderate level concerns with dysregulation may involve greater impairments in functioning, such as chronic difficulty with interpersonal interactions. Severe difficulty with emotion dysregulation may involve substantial functional impairment (e.g., difficulty holding a job), substantial interpersonal conflict (e.g., inability to keep friends or chronic high conflict with family), or the development of high risk coping mechanisms (e.g., suicidality, self-injury, or aggression).  

ASSOCIATED CONCERNS

Low to moderate dysregulation is often associated with anxiety, mood disturbance, shame, and may involve unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., substance use or avoidance of interpersonal situations). Severe difficulty with dysregulation may be associated with disorders such as PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or oppositional or disruptive behavioral disorders (often in teens). 

TREATMENTS OFFERED

Treatments offered will depend on the severity of your dysregulation and an understanding of the potential causes of dysregulation. For severe dysregulation, Trauma Therapies, DBT, and Medication Management may be appropriate. For low to moderate levels of dysregulation, additional treatments such as CBT may be appropriate.