Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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 youtu.be/nwF_Ax32390
Read: Free resources understood.org/en/free-resources
For a transcript and more resources, visit MissUnderstood on Understood.org. understood.org/en/podcasts/missunderstood/adhd-self-harm-risk
You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.
Questions about learning and thinking differences? Get answers and expert-vetted resources by asking the AI-powered Understood Assistant:
understood.org/en/assistant?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=assistant-agn-prod&utm_content=video
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/en/donate?sc=MU0725YTO&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fundraising-agn-vid-missunderstood&utm_content=video
For more resources, support, and excellent memes, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on:
Instagram: instagram.com/understoodorg
Facebook: facebook.com/Understood
TikTok: tiktok.com/@understood.org
Pinterest: pinterest.com/understoodorg
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 youtu.be/nwF_Ax32390
Read: Free resources understood.org/en/free-resources
For a transcript and more resources, visit MissUnderstood on Understood.org. understood.org/en/podcasts/missunderstood/adhd-self-harm-risk
You can also email us at podcast@understood.org.
Questions about learning and thinking differences? Get answers and expert-vetted resources by asking the AI-powered Understood Assistant:
understood.org/en/assistant?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=assistant-agn-prod&utm_content=video
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/en/donate?sc=MU0725YTO&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fundraising-agn-vid-missunderstood&utm_content=video
For more resources, support, and excellent memes, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on:
Instagram: instagram.com/understoodorg
Facebook: facebook.com/Understood
TikTok: tiktok.com/@understood.org
Pinterest: pinterest.com/understoodorg
