The brain has complex connections across different areas that process signals relating to domains like memories, emotions, and sensory input. Emotional dysregulation refers to the brain not being able to properly process signals relating to mood and emotions, making it more challenging to manage them. Someone experiencing emotional dysregulation may, therefore, have a low tolerance to being frustrated, a short temper, mood fluctuations, outbursts, or feel emotionally overwhelmed.

Emotional dysregulation is related to many different conditions that affect how the brain processes information, including ADHD and autism, and plays a part in rejection sensitivity and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.