Aggression can be a part of your child’s ADHD. In general, anger should be brief, but with ADHD, aggression can be continuous, consistent, or occur occasionally. If your child is displaying anger, work with them and see if these strategies are successful:                 

• Exercise: A great remedy for the brain is physical exercise. Exercise is very helpful in promoting healthy and positive brain function. This especially helps to control aggression.
• Less Electronics: Staring at a screen for extended amounts of time can numb the mind. It can also be a less positive replacement for exercise and face-to-face interactions, which help with anger management. Some electronics can be good, but too much should be avoided. Try not to let your child use electronics for more than two hours a day.
• Rethink Anger: You should teach anger as a signal and not an outcome. When your child gets angry, they should be able to stop and ask themselves, “Why am I angry?” By putting the reasons into words, it can make it easier for them to control their feelings. You can also teach them to ask for help if they are in danger or being mistreated.
• Compromise and Negotiation: A strategy by Ross W. Greene, Ph.D., called “collaborative problem solving” could be beneficial. This technique focuses on negotiating with your child to ultimately reach a compromise. This can replace giving orders and command while also not giving up authority.
• Underlying Problems: Several conditions can be the root or reason for uncontrollable anger, not only ADHD. This includes seizure disorders, conduct disorder, brain tumors, and thyroid dysfunction.

If your child is showing symptoms of aggression with their ADHD, they may qualify for our Pediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Study. See if they qualify by visiting our currently enrolling studies!
Source: ADDitude Magazine Photo: DrHomeo