Key Takeaways
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that affects attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop in some people who have experienced or witnessed trauma. The two conditions share some of the same symptoms.
- Studies indicate that children with ADHD are more likely to have experienced a traumatic event.
- Research suggests that individuals with ADHD are at an elevated risk of PTSD, and vice versa. It’s also possible to have both ADHD and PTSD. However, with appropriate treatment and support, people can effectively manage both conditions and improve their overall well-being.
The number of people with ADHD has surged significantly in the past few years, with approximately, 7.1 million children and teens diagnosed with the condition, marking an increase of one million compared to previous years.
The number of adults diagnosed with ADHD is also on the rise, thanks to an increased understanding of how symptoms present differently in adulthood. Many adults who were undiagnosed as children are now learning how to develop coping strategies and manage the symptoms of ADHD.
People with ADHD are more likely to develop PTSD compared to those without ADHD. Researchers believe this may be due to a variety of factors, including increased vulnerability and a higher rate of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), like abuse, neglect, bullying, or the death of a parent.
A correct diagnosis, whether you have ADHD, PTSD, or a combination of both, is essential for determining the most effective treatment path.
How do PTSD and ADHD present?
Because PTSD and ADHD can present with many of the same symptoms, it can often be challenging to get an accurate diagnosis. If a doctor doesn’t screen for signs of trauma, a patient’s symptoms could be diagnosed as ADHD.
To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must experience the following symptoms for at least one month:
- At least one re-experiencing symptom: This could include flashbacks, distressing thoughts, or physical reactions (such as heart racing) when reminded of the trauma.
- At least one avoidance symptom: Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or reminders related to the traumatic event such as certain places or people.
- At least two arousal or reactivity symptoms: This may involve being easily startled, trouble concentrating, irritability or anger, or difficulty sleeping.
- At least two cognition and mood symptoms: These can include losing interest in activities, feeling detached or unable to experience positive emotions, or persistent feelings of guilt, shame, fear, or anger.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a mental health professional will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a review of your medical, developmental, and family history. They’ll evaluate your symptoms and how these impact daily functioning.
Symptoms of ADHD include persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity lasting for at least six months.These symptoms must be more severe than what’s typical for the person’s age.
PTSD with ADHD-like symptoms
In some cases, exposure to trauma can cause symptoms that look like ADHD. Symptoms of trauma that can be mistaken for ADHD include:
- Inattention
- Inability to focus
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity due to increased stress
- Rapid mood changes
- Dissociative states that might seem like distraction
It can be hard for you to determine on your own whether you have ADHD, PTSD or both.
A misdiagnosis can be problematic because medications prescribed for ADHD can often worsen the symptoms of PTSD. On the other hand, untreated PTSD may also worsen symptoms of ADHD. It’s important to work with a mental health professional to get a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Co-occurring PTSD and ADHD
Experiencing traumatic childhood events has been shown to be a risk factor for developing ADHD. Other risk factors for developing both mental health conditions include alcohol use disorder, a history of traumatic experiences in parents, and traits and behaviors passed down within a family.
In addition, ADHD and PTSD share some of the same symptoms including:
- Poor self-esteem
- Agitation and irritability
- Reliving traumatic events
- A negative view of others
- Difficulty staying focused or managing emotions
However, PTSD is uniquely characterized by re-experiencing traumatic events and negative beliefs about oneself or others, while ADHD more often involves challenges with attention and impulsivity.
If left untreated, research shows that those with both PTSD and ADHD may be at a higher risk for psychiatric hospitalization. Other research found that adults with both ADHD and PTSD have higher rates of major depressive disorder (MDD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), social phobia, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
How does trauma impact ADHD?
Although PTSD doesn’t cause ADHD, trauma — particularly when experienced in childhood — can cause symptoms that might be mistaken for ADHD, like trouble focusing, restlessness, and impulsivity.
Trauma can also affect brain development in ways that contribute to attention and behavior problems, resulting in a higher chance of being diagnosed with ADHD.
Professional treatment for ADHD and PTSD
Both ADHD and PTSD are treatable conditions. Most people see improvement through a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care strategies. It’s important to work with your provider to determine if medication is right for your unique needs.
Because people with PTSD can show symptoms similar to those seen in ADHD, and trauma that co-occurs with ADHD can worsen symptoms, there’s a growing movement for trauma-informed care (TIC), including trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, to be used in identifying and treating ADHD.
Trauma-informed care acknowledges the impact of trauma on people. This impact influences how treatment is provided, especially for those with ADHD.
TIC is used with ADHD to understand behavioral responses, establish trust and safety, teach coping skills, and emphasizes understanding a person’s traumatic history without judgment.
Another therapy approach that’s proven to help adults with ADHD and PTSD is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). With the support of a trained therapist, EMDR helps you process underlying traumatic experiences, including bullying, shame, and childhood abuse.
Lifestyle changes to explore in addition to therapy
There are also self-help strategies for both ADHD and PTSD that can complement therapy:
- Embrace physical activity: Staying active is important in managing ADHD and PTSD. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate activity most days each week. If it’s easier, break it up into 10-minute increments throughout the day. Stretching, biking, and brisk walking can all help you to meet your exercise goals.
- Focus on good sleep hygiene: People with both ADHD and PTSD often have problems falling asleep or staying asleep. Work on establishing a regular sleep routine, incorporating practices like taking a warm bath before bed, keeping your bedroom dark, and avoiding screen time an hour before bed.
- Try grounding techniques: To avoid negative thinking, prevent anxiety, and stay connected to the present, explore grounding techniques. These might include deep breathing or describing objects around you in detail.
Find care with Rula
If you or a loved one are noticing symptoms that might suggest ADHD, PTSD, or a combination of both, it’s important to know that there are treatment options available that can help reduce symptoms and improve mental well-being.
At Rula, we work with an extensive network of mental health professionals who specialize in treating conditions including ADHD and PTSD. With just a few clicks, you can find a provider who accepts your insurance and can schedule a virtual appointment with you as soon as tomorrow.
About the author
Linda Childers
Linda is an award-winning medical writer with experience writing for major media outlets, health companies, hospitals, and both consumer and trade print and digital outlets. Her articles have appeared in the Washington Post, USA Today, WebMD, AARP, Brain+Life, HealthyWomen.org, The Rheumatologist, California Health Report, Everyday Health, HealthCentral, and many other media outlets. While juggling the responsibilities of being part of the “sandwich generation” and caring for both her toddler son and terminally ill mother, a nurse friend encouraged her to seek therapy, which helped her to learn coping strategies and manage her depression. Linda hopes her work will help to destigmatize mental health conditions and encourage others to get the help they need.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness. Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
