Extreme emotional dysregulation

[Anonymous]

DBT is great. We started offering a DBT based course on managing intense emotions at a college I worked at. Initially it was only open to kids who were receiving counselling but it got such good reviews that we added more sessions and opened it up. It filled up almost instantly and we couldn't run enough sessions to keep up with demand. So many benefit from it.

[Anonymous]

Yes to DBT. It's perfect for regulation of intense emotions. Has she been on an anxiety med before? What's in the family history? ADHD? Bipolar? Anxiety? Depression? That can help put the puzzle together.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all the DBT recommendations. We have never tried that and it sounds like it might be helpful. There is family history of depression, anxiety, and adult-onset psychosis (which may be linked to bipolar disorder - exact diagnosis has never been figured out because it responds very well to medication). I will also say that the intensification of her symptoms coincided with an episode of cyberbullying that I didn't find out about until much later (it was not that severe but happened while Covid restrictions were still in effect and she was somewhat isolated, which I think heightened the impact).

[Anonymous]

Would she be open to DBT? It takes buy-in from the kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all the DBT recommendations. We have never tried that and it sounds like it might be helpful. There is family history of depression, anxiety, and adult-onset psychosis (which may be linked to bipolar disorder - exact diagnosis has never been figured out because it responds very well to medication). I will also say that the intensification of her symptoms coincided with an episode of cyberbullying that I didn't find out about until much later (it was not that severe but happened while Covid restrictions were still in effect and she was somewhat isolated, which I think heightened the impact).

Does it come and go throughout the month? Could it be PMDD?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My teen DD has a really hard time regulating her emotions. She frequently cries or screams loudly at some setback, insecurity, or perceived slight, sometimes several times a day. It has ruined many friendships because she can be exhausting to be around.

Although she snaps at people sometimes, she is not otherwise angry or aggressive. She's a great kid aside from this - friendly, kind, creative, and funny. She is very bright and does well in school.

This has been a lifelong problem but has gotten much worse in adolescence. We have cycled through multiple meds in an effort to help, none of which has made more than a marginal difference. Ditto therapy, which she's been in for years. We had her screened a few years ago and she received only an anxiety diagnosis. People have been urging me to get her rescreened, for ASD in particular. But to me she does not seem to me to have issues with social skills other than turning people off with her intensity.

I'm wondering if anyone has a kid like this, what diagnosis if any they have, and most of all, what has helped. I'll add that this problem is currently making my DD miserable.

She is doing this outside the home or to non-family members?

I'd work with a psychiatrist.

Most kids only meltdown at home in their safe place. and their siblings and parent takes it on the chin.

But to unmask at school, work, sports, friends homes is another level bad.

[Anonymous]

My DD is very much like this. Diagnosed with anxiety and PMDD. Fingers crossed we get the ADHD diagnosis soon.

For those that says meds were life changing, are you talking stimulants or SRRI’s?

I know each person is different but I guess I was worried stimulants might make her worse

[Anonymous]

Reviving this old thread as my DD has been recently diagnosed with autism, adhd, anxiety and depression. Still learning and trying to figure out how to support her. The emotional dysregulation in my DD is scary when it's there but she's not aggressive at all when it's not there. So weird.

I'm interested to hear from other parents who have tried DBT for their teen children. Where did you go in the DMV? Any recommendations on DBT providers in Northern VA? We are in Arlington if that is relevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for all the DBT recommendations. We have never tried that and it sounds like it might be helpful. There is family history of depression, anxiety, and adult-onset psychosis (which may be linked to bipolar disorder - exact diagnosis has never been figured out because it responds very well to medication). I will also say that the intensification of her symptoms coincided with an episode of cyberbullying that I didn't find out about until much later (it was not that severe but happened while Covid restrictions were still in effect and she was somewhat isolated, which I think heightened the impact).

OP many pre-teen and young teen kids that were home during Covid have cyber bullying and grooming and assault histories that come out in later years. Many young kids on Discord were groomed. So much porn and fishing and bullying on various sites parents had no idea about. Many of these kids were impulsive undiagnosed ADHDer’s who didn’t know it was wrong to start.

I would look into CPTSD for her.

And yes look to get her evaluated for ADHD or AUD. And PMDD is very prevalent in female ADHD.

And you can see if maybe a non stimulant would work. Clonidine, Intuniv, Strattera might be options. Many teen girls with emotional regulation issues do well on Lamictal. Small doses titrated up slowly.

Lots of options. Don’t give up!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reviving this old thread as my DD has been recently diagnosed with autism, adhd, anxiety and depression. Still learning and trying to figure out how to support her. The emotional dysregulation in my DD is scary when it's there but she's not aggressive at all when it's not there. So weird.

I'm interested to hear from other parents who have tried DBT for their teen children. Where did you go in the DMV? Any recommendations on DBT providers in Northern VA? We are in Arlington if that is relevant.

Potomac Behavioral Solutions was recommended to us. We are in MD so ended up going to a closer practice.