For countless parents, witnessing their child struggle with emotional outbursts, intense mood swings, and difficulty controlling their impulses can be a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience. They may find themselves wondering why their child seems to overreact to even minor stressors or why they have trouble self-soothing when upset. These challenges can affect every aspect of a child’s life, from their academic performance to their social relationships and overall well-being.
If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you are not alone. Approximately 5% of children in the United States struggle with emotional dysregulation. This is a common struggle for many children, and its roots often lie not in a lack of discipline or willpower, but in the intricate workings of the developing nervous system.
In this article, we will explore the neurological underpinnings of emotional dysregulation and how an approach known as Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is offering new hope and solutions for families seeking lasting change.
What is Emotional Dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation refers to an inability to control or regulate one’s emotional responses in a way that is appropriate for the situation at hand. When a child experiences emotional dysregulation, they may have intense and prolonged emotional reactions that are out of proportion to the triggering event. This can manifest in a variety of ways; here are some emotional dysregulation examples:
- Severe mood swings, rapidly shifting from one extreme to another
- Difficulty controlling impulses, leading to impulsive or reckless behavior
- Overreacting to minor stressors or frustrations
- Trouble self-soothing or calming down when upset
- Persistent feelings of irritability, anger, or sadness
Emotional challenges can profoundly impact a child’s life, making it difficult to form friendships due to overwhelming reactions. Their academic performance may decline as emotional states hinder focus and classroom interactions. Family relationships can be strained, with parents and siblings struggling to cope. However, research has shown that supportive sibling bonds can help buffer these challenges and assist the child in managing emotional dysregulation.
It is important to note that occasional emotional outbursts or moodiness are a normal part of childhood development. However, when these emotional challenges persist over time and significantly interfere with a child’s ability to function in daily life, it may be a sign of underlying emotional dysregulation that requires further attention and support.
The Neurological Roots of Emotional Dysregulation
To understand the underlying causes of emotional dysregulation, we must first explore the intricate workings of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS is responsible for regulating many of our body’s unconscious functions, including heart rate, digestion, and emotional responses. It consists of two main branches:
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS): Often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, the SNS is activated in times of stress or perceived danger. It prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
- The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS): Known as the “rest, regulate, and digest” response, the PNS helps the body return to a state of calm and relaxation after a stressful event. It slows down heart rate, promotes digestion, and allows the body to recover and heal.
In a healthy, well-regulated nervous system, the SNS and PNS work together in a balanced manner, allowing the individual to respond appropriately to stress and then return to a state of calm. However, when this delicate balance is disrupted, it can lead to a condition known as dysautonomia, where the SNS becomes overactive and the PNS becomes underactive. This can result in a state of chronic stress and emotional reactivity, setting the stage for emotional dysregulation.
One of the primary causes of dysautonomia is subluxation, which refers to disruptions or imbalances within the neurospinal system that interfere with proper nervous system function. When subluxation occurs, it can interfere with the proper functioning of the ANS, leading to an overactive stress response and difficulty regulating emotions.
Another key player in emotion regulation is the vagus nerve, a long, wandering nerve that connects the brain to various organs in the body. The vagus nerve is responsible for activating the PNS and promoting feelings of calm and relaxation. When the vagus nerve is functioning optimally, it helps to counterbalance the effects of the SNS and promote emotional balance. However, when the vagus nerve is compromised due to subluxation or other factors, it can contribute to emotional dysregulation.
In the traditional medical and psychiatric model, the “chemical imbalance” theory is still promoted as the primary cause of emotional dysregulation and mental health disorders. Recent research and further investigation shows that this long-standing theory has been wildly propagated with very little actual scientific evidence, leading to millions of patients being put on medications when other safer, effective, drug-free options exist.
When you understand the role that dysautonomia and autonomic nervous system imbalance play in emotional dysregulation, you can see that even if the neurostransmitters and other chemicals were to be imbalanced, there would still be an underlying root cause to that. At PX Docs we look to address root causes at their very deepest level, which in this case would be dysautonomia.
The “Perfect Storm”: Factors Contributing to Emotional Dysregulation
In the world of pediatric chiropractic care, we often refer to The “Perfect Storm” when discussing the various factors that can contribute to nervous system dysregulation and emotional dysregulation in children. This term describes the cumulative effect of multiple stressors that can interfere with healthy nervous system development, setting the stage for emotional and behavioral challenges down the road.
One key factor in this “Perfect Storm” is difficulty conceiving, prenatal stress, and poor maternal health. Research has shown that when a mother experiences high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression during pregnancy, it can have a profound impact on the developing fetus’s brain structure and function. Stress hormones like cortisol can cross the placental barrier and alter the way the baby’s brain and nervous system develop, making them more susceptible to emotional dysregulation later in life.
Birth trauma and interventions can also play a significant role in the development of subluxation and dysautonomia. Procedures such as forceps delivery, vacuum extraction, and cesarean section can put tremendous strain on a baby’s delicate brainstem and nervous system, leading to dysregulation and imbalances that can disrupt healthy nervous system function.
Early life stressors and environmental factors can further compound these challenges. Exposure to toxins, overuse of antibiotics, family stress, or a lack of nurturing touch and attachment can all contribute to an overactive stress response and difficulty regulating emotions.
It is important to recognize that these factors do not exist in isolation, but rather interact and build upon one another to create a cumulative effect on the developing nervous system. A child who experiences multiple stressors across these domains may be at a higher risk for developing emotional dysregulation and related challenges.
By understanding the complex interplay of factors in The “Perfect Storm,” parents and healthcare providers can take a proactive approach to support healthy nervous system development and promote emotional well-being in children.
Related Conditions and Conventional Approaches
Emotional dysregulation rarely exists in isolation and is often a key feature of various neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. Some of the most common signs of emotionally related conditions include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity, emotional reactivity, and difficulty regulating their behavior in response to frustration or stress.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Many children on the autism spectrum experience intense emotional responses and have difficulty understanding and managing their emotions in social situations.
- Anxiety Disorders: Chronic anxiety can lead to heightened emotional reactivity and difficulty regulating fear and worry responses.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): BPD often manifests as intense mood swings, impulsivity, and challenges in maintaining stable relationships, with heightened sensitivity to rejection and abandonment.
- Bipolar Disorder: This condition is marked by intense emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression), leading to fluctuating energy levels and challenges in maintaining stable behavior and emotional regulation.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Children who have experienced traumatic brain injuries or emotional trauma may face emotional dysregulation, such as flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened reactivity, which can make it challenging to regulate their emotions in certain situations.
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): DMDD is characterized by severe irritability, anger, and frequent intense temper outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation, which often affects a child’s ability to interact positively with others.
When faced with these challenges, many parents turn to conventional care approaches, such as medication or behavioral therapy. While these interventions can provide some relief, they often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying neurological imbalances that contribute to mood dysregulation.
Medications such as stimulants for ADHD or antidepressants for anxiety may help to reduce the intensity of emotional reactions in the short term. However, they do not address the root cause of the problem and can come with a host of potential side effects, including sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and even paradoxical increases in irritability or mood swings.
Similarly, behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or applied behavior analysis (ABA) can teach children coping strategies and help them modify problematic behaviors. However, these approaches often require significant time and effort to implement and may not be effective for all children, particularly those with more severe neurological imbalances.
While conventional care plans can play a role in supporting children with emotional dysregulation, it is important to recognize their limitations and consider a more comprehensive approach that targets the root cause of the problem: nervous system dysfunction.
The PX Docs Approach: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
At PX Docs, we understand that lasting solutions for emotional dysregulation must address the underlying neurological imbalances that contribute to these challenges. Our unique clinical approach centers on identifying and addressing subluxation and nervous system dysregulation and dysautonomia.
One of the key tools we use in this process is the INSiGHT scanning technology, which provides a detailed assessment of nervous system function. These scans allow us to pinpoint areas of subluxation and dysautonomia, guiding our care plans and enabling us to track progress over time. By gathering objective data on a child’s neurological health, we can create a highly personalized care plan that targets the specific neurological imbalances contributing to their emotional dysregulation.
Below is an example of a patient struggling with sleep disturbances, emotional dysregulation, troubles concentrating at school, and other related neurological challenges. This NeuroSpinal EMG scan indicates excessive areas of tension, subluxation, and dysfunction in the neck and shoulder region especially, which then drives noxious and stressful stimuli into the brain and nervous system, leaving it in a stuck sympathetic dominant state.
Additionally, the signal collapse and singular yellow bar seen at the T10 region on this EMG indicates that this child is already experiencing adrenal fatigue and burnout, leading to a system that is both “wound up and worn out” at the same time.
Our chiropractors are specially trained in the latest techniques for promoting optimal nervous system function in children. We work to restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, promoting a state of calm and emotional resilience. We also focus on supporting vagal tone, which is essential for regulating stress responses and promoting emotional well-being.
Empowering Families to Support Emotional Regulation
We also believe that empowering families with knowledge and strategies to support their child’s emotional regulation is a crucial component of our care, and we frequently work with parents and other professionals in collaboration to help drug-free healing for our patients struggling with emotional dysregulation.
Some of the strategies we recommend include:
- Creating a calm, predictable environment: Children with emotional dysregulation often thrive on routine and consistency. Establishing clear boundaries, predictable schedules, and a calm home atmosphere can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of safety and security.
- Modeling healthy emotional expression and coping strategies: Children learn by example, so it is important for parents to model healthy ways of managing stress and expressing emotions. This may involve getting under chiropractic care themselves to reduce stress, taking deep breaths, using calming self-talk, or engaging in relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Providing opportunities for sensory regulation: Many children with emotional dysregulation benefit from activities that help to regulate their sensory experiences. This may include deep pressure input (like hugs or weighted blankets), rhythmic movement (like swinging or rocking), or calming sensory input (like soft lighting or soothing music).
We also emphasize the importance of early intervention and ongoing support. The earlier we can identify and address the underlying neurological imbalances contributing to emotional dysregulation, the better the outcomes tend to be. Research indicates that high-quality early childhood education programs have significant positive impacts on children’s social-emotional learning (SEL) and overall development.
By working collaboratively with healthcare providers, educators, and other support professionals, we can create a comprehensive care plan that promotes optimal emotional regulation and overall well-being for the child.
Building Emotional Resilience in Your Child
Emotional dysregulation can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for both children and their families. But it is important to remember that there is hope and there are effective solutions and drug-free options available. By understanding the neurological roots of emotional dysregulation and addressing the underlying imbalances through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, we can help children develop the emotional resilience they need to thrive.
We are committed to empowering families with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to navigate this journey. Our approach is grounded in the latest research on neurodevelopment and the complex interplay of factors that contribute to emotional regulation. By taking a drug-free, personalized approach to care, we aim to unlock each child’s innate potential for emotional well-being and resilience.
If you suspect that your child may be struggling with emotional dysregulation, we encourage you to visit the PX Docs directory to find a practitioner near you. With the right care and guidance, your child can develop the skills and strategies they need to manage their emotions effectively and lead a fulfilling, vibrant life!
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