Abnormal Affect Regulation C6055295
A condition involving difficulty controlling emotional responses, which may stem from neurological or psychiatric causes and is typically addressed through therapy and sometimes medication.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- F99
- ICD-11
- 6A00.0
- Body system
- psychiatric
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Suicidal thoughts
Thoughts of self-harm or ending one's life, often occurring during severe emotional distress.
Seek immediate emergency care if having thoughts of harming yourself or others.
Emotional lability
(psychiatric)Rapid, unpredictable shifts in emotional state, with sudden changes from sadness to anger or joy.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Mood swings
(psychiatric)Frequent fluctuations between different emotional states, often without clear trigger.
Frequency: 75-85% of patients
Sleep disturbance
(constitutional)Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep due to racing thoughts.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Difficulty concentrating
(neurologic)Trouble focusing attention on tasks, with frequent distraction and racing thoughts.
Frequency: 45-55% of patients
Irritability
(psychiatric)Heightened sensitivity to stimuli, with increased frustration and quickness to anger.
Frequency: 50-65% of patients
Palpitations
(cardiovascular)Awareness of rapid or irregular heartbeat, often occurring during emotional episodes.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Appetite changes
(gastrointestinal)Significant changes in appetite, either decreased or increased, often linked to emotional state.
Frequency: 25-35% of patients
Tension headaches
(neurologic)Recurring headaches, often described as a tight band around the head, associated with emotional stress.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Structured psychotherapy targeting emotional regulation patterns, thought restructuring, and coping skill development to improve affect management.
Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Mood Stabilizers or SSRIs
Pharmacological intervention to regulate neurotransmitter imbalances affecting emotional regulation. Choice depends on specific symptom presentation and severity.
Additional treatment options
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
Incorporation of relaxation practices such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and stress reduction to support emotional balance.
lifestyleMindfulness-Based Interventions
Meditation and mindfulness practices to enhance present-moment awareness and improve emotional awareness and regulation.
complementaryDialectical Behavior Therapy
Specialized psychotherapy focusing on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
psychologicalWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Affect Regulation C6055295?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2021.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Borderline Personality Disorder: Recognition and Management. NICE Guideline CG78. 2009; Updated 2023.
Gross JJ. Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Motivation and Emotion. 2015;39(1):1-12.
Cristea IA, Gentili C, Cotet CD, et al. Efficacy of psychotherapies for borderline personality disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2017;74(4):319-328.
American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines for the Pharmacological Treatment of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder. Position Statement. 2021.
Linehan MM, Armstrong HE, Suarez A, et al. Cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronically parasuicidal borderline patients. Archives of General Psychiatry. 1991;48(12):1060-1064.
Kring AM, Neale JM. Schizophrenia and the course of affect regulation. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2008;165(8):981-987.
Zanarini MC, Frankenburg FR, Hennen J, et al. The longitudinal course of borderline psychopathology: 6-year prospective follow-up of the prospective longitudinal study of borderline personality disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2003;160(2):274-283.
Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM, et al. Principles of Neural Science. 5th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2013. Chapter 52: Emotional States and Feelings.
World Health Organization. ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics: Disorders of Affect Regulation. WHO; 2022.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Affect Regulation C6055295. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy