• atomoxetine
• methylphenidate
• stimulants
• emotional dysregulation
• adult adhd

The Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder mostly diagnosed in childhood but also recognized in adulthood with a major clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic complexity. In addition to the classic nuclear symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity, it is important the role assumed by Emotional Dysregulation (ED) that should be considered a nuclear symptom, a diagnostic criterion and a target for pharmacological treatment. We enrolled 80 adult patients diagnosed with ADHD (26 with inattentive manifestation, 1 with hyperactive/impulsive manifestation, 53 with combined manifestation) from first prescription of specific drugs for this condition (Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine). We excluded patients with concomitant intellectual disability and those who already were receiving specific treatment for more than 14 days. At baseline, we assessed the clinical ADHD severity, using Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales–Observer: Short Version (CAARS–O:S), and ED-related aspects, using the Reactivity, Intensity, Polarity and Stability questionnaire (RIPoSt), and we observed them for a mean of 20 weeks (sd 4.75). We detected an improvement in ED symptoms with no significant difference between assumption of Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine. This response has been significant only in combined manifestation. Our findings support the importance of ED in adult ADHD and its targeted treatment.