Emotion Dysregulation is one of the most common issues that we encounter. Emotion dysregulation is especially prevalent among young people with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. However, emotion dysregulation does not necessarily mean that there is a disorder at play. In some cases, the emotion dysregulation might reflect issues that are more situational. For example, school-related stress, family stress, adverse events, and insufficient sleep can all be possible drivers of emotion dysregulation. We aim to identify potential underlying factors and external contributors so that we can build a treatment plan that addresses skills that the child or teen may need to develop, shifts that might help in the home, and other elements that may help reduce emotional stress for the child or teen. Whenever emotion dysregulation is a presenting concern, we usually involve parents/ caregivers as key players in the treatment.

Possible expressions of emotion dysregulation can include:

• Tantrums that are not developmentally appropriate to the child’s age.

• Tantrums at any age that involve aggressive or destructive behavior, or that are prolonged, unpredictable, or involve self-harm.

• Self-harm or threats of self-harm.

• Self-punishing behaviors of any sort.

• Chronic irritability / low frustration tolerance.

• Anger outbursts.

• Meltdowns.

For more information about tantrums, read here.

Child and Teen Solutions (CATS) is a mental health clinic based in Seattle, Washington. We are staffed by psychologists and therapists who specialize in children, teens, young adults, and parent coaching. We offer both in-person and telehealth services. Our office is located in the Madison Park neighborhood, near Lake Washington.