Trauma is everywhere. I’ve seen it as an academic therapist and as a teacher. It manifests through emotional behavior. Accumulating research indicates that ADHD and PTSD tend to co-occur, averaging 12% to 37% across their lifespan (NIH, 2023). Read on to learn more in this updated post.
Traveling on the Wayback Machine…
Yea! I finally got a job in education. It’s not in the classroom, but it’s got to do with education. I’ve been trained in teaching reading, writing, and math, but nothing about behavior. My Mom says the key to building relationships is listening and asking questions (Dale Carnegie). I prayed that I could do both while incorporating Lindamood-Bell programs.
Teens and young adults are the toughest to figure out. Moody. I’ll pay attention to them and the folks who know them best. Who knew that parents would listen to their teenage kids? Whining helps, from all of them!
Speaking of whining, why don’t my colleagues want to work with older kids? Just wanting to be in charge when you’re a burgeoning adult can’t be all bad. We were there once too. I remember many of “my kids.” One of them was Susan.
Susan was a 16-year-old child with ADHD and dyslexia. She had two loving parents (or so I thought). Too bad she didn’t pick up on their positive attitude. Her head was always on the desk.
Finally, she mumbles. “Coffee?”
“Not a chance. So what’s wrong?” I tried not to sigh.
Silence…then…
“My dad pushed me down the steps.”
More silence…this time from me…
Nothing prepares you for child abuse.
What are ADHD and PTSD?
ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder, needing six or more symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. It must occur across two or more settings, with clear evidence of impairment. It is classified as either Inattentive Type or Hyperactive-Impulsive Type.
PTSD is defined as a trauma that overwhelms coping mechanisms. It creates ongoing cycles of re-experiencing the negative event. Avoidance is often sought but rarely results in a diminishing impact. A history of life stressors can further aggravate the condition.
The Link Between ADHD and Trauma
Research in the past year done by the National Institutes of Health found that ADHD and PTSD might be causally associated (NIH, 2023). Several studies report that this situation can be traced back to childhood experiences, and then permeate into adulthood. This is linked to situations in which they are not adept at regulating the emotions they are feeling regarding trauma. It manifests in disruptiveness, impulsivity, and lack of focus (Medical News Today, 2024).
Both ADHD and trauma share overlapping symptoms. Take note of specific situations to determine triggers. Consult professionals to shake out details.
- Hyperactivity or hyperarousal
- Impulsivity (acting out)
- Restlessness (fidgety)
- Inattatentivness (spacey, losing focus easily)
- Difficulty in managing emotions
- Disorganized thoughts and ideas
Having ADHD alone can be a contributing factor in getting PTSD due to their many risk-taking behaviors. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that looks similar to ADHD, however there are varying differences. The underlying reasons for the symptoms of both can be confusing. I’ve seen a lot as an academic therapist and a teacher. Let’s shake things out together.
The causes of these disorders are the root of identifying their differences. Inattention is a central characteristic of Inattentive-Type ADHD. In PTSD, it results from hypervigilance or warding off stimuli. Impulsivity, anger, and lack of sleep could result from hyperarousal. This cluster of symptoms can also result from poor memory and concentration. Before long, these symptoms will begin to have a significant effect on the individual and their families.
Symptoms that are typically exclusive to trauma include:
- Survivor’s guilt (emotional responses such as fear, shame, confusion, fear, sadness)
- Nightmares in response to traumatic events
- Flashbacks (replaying the trauma in their mind)
- Obsessions (the experience takes over every part of their life)
- Physical symptoms (pain in the joints and muscles not attributable to another medical condition)
- Hypervigilance (constantly on the look-out for possible threats)
SUMMARY
Despite their different origins, ADHD and PTSD present in similar ways. Either is easily mistaken for the other. Both present symptoms such as inattention, poor memory/concentration, lack of focus, distractability, anxiety, and sleepiness.
Teens and young adults with ADHD have a higher likelihood of trauma exposure. By age 16, more than 25% of teens experience trauma in some form (NIH, 2023). These are often a result of interpersonal problems and self-regulatory issues. Collaborate to problem-solve and explore thoughts and feelings.
Have you or your child experienced a serious trauma that affects their life?
Copyright © 2024 by Edna Brown. All Rights Reserved.
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