The DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5) defines ADHD as “A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsiveness that interferes with our reduces the quality of functioning in daily life.”

It does not mention Emotional Dysregulation as a core component of ADHD. However, as ADHD Researcher and Clinician Russell Barkley says “Compelling evidence has arisen over the past decade that clearly shows that many if not most cases of ADHD involve problems with EI (emotional impulsivity) and DESR (deficient emotional self-regulation). It also shows that these problems are correlated with the severity of more traditional ADHD symptoms, and that they share the same genetic influences that are well‐documented in research on ADHD. The abundant evidence argues for the return of EI‐DESR to the status of a key associated feature if not a core component of ADHD in its conceptualization and diagnostic criteria.” – Russell Barkley