Exploring the Connection Between ADHD and PTSD
When you think of either ADHD or PTSD, you’re probably not going to include them in the same conversation. They are distinct conditions, often associated with different symptoms.
Studies have now started to indicate somewhat of a linkage between the two, though. Many adults with ADHD have also shown a presentation of PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, children with ADHD are more likely to experience a traumatic event, placing them at a higher risk for developing PTSD compared to the average person.
Understanding the differences and similarities of these two disorders can lead to improved diagnosis and effective treatment options.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder commonly associated with inattention and hyperactivity. It’s also characterized by impulsivity and behavioral issues.
Common signs that could be indicative of ADHD include an inability to properly regulate emotions, difficulty focusing on school/work, poor time management, constant fidgeting, and the appearance of disorganization.
ADHD is generally diagnosed during childhood years, however, there are many people who don’t present with symptoms until adulthood. Symptoms can manifest differently in males compared to females, so women have a larger risk to be overlooked or misdiagnosed where ADHD is concerned.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that develops as a result of experiencing some kind of traumatic event. This could include abuse, physical violence, or even being witness to a traumatic situation.
Most often, PTSD is associated with military veterans who were involved in wartime incidents. But you don’t have to be a veteran to experience these symptoms. The average person who is exposed to trauma can develop these symptoms. They include sleep disturbances, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and negative mood changes.
The Connection Between ADHD and PTSD
Based on the above information, the two don’t seem much like likely pairs. Newer research, however, has started indicating some connection between the two.
Those who have ADHD are more inclined to engage in risky behavior and demonstrate a higher amount of impulsivity. When you consistently put yourself at a higher risk of bad things happening, it increases the risk of trauma exposure.
Living with ADHD can challenge your concentration and cognition. The impact this disorder has on your executive functioning skills can lead to difficulty developing healthy coping strategies. If you’re exposed to trauma, this can have a direct impact on your risk of developing PTSD afterwards.
ADHD may also impact your ability to regulate emotions, especially during stressful times. Being sensitive to emotional changes can also lead to more sensitivity if trauma does occur. Your trauma responses may be heightened, causing more likelihood of PTSD to occur.
There’s also a reverse connection. Going through any traumatic event as a child can negatively impact your growth and development. As a result, as you mature, you may find yourself dealing with hypervigilance and emotional processing struggles. Both of these can mimic ADHD or cause your existing ADHD symptoms to worsen.
Symptom Similarities
Each of these are separate and distinct disorders, but they can present with overlapping symptoms that make it more of a gray area when looking for a diagnosis. Both ADHD and PTSD can present with this level of impulsive behavior, leading to more reckless decision making and behavioral outbursts.
Those with ADHD and PTSD may display irritability related to the separate root causes of the disorder. With ADHD, irritability can stem from poor emotional regulation or overload when concentration is affected. With PTSD, the irritability can result from poor sleep quality in addition to emotional distress.
Receiving a Diagnosis
Having a mental health condition that shares symptoms with another can make it difficult to understand what’s truly going on. In order to get your symptoms under control and regain quality of life, it’s imperative that you receive the correct diagnosis.
Through an initial evaluation, we can assess your symptoms, rule out certain conditions, and discuss a plan forward. If you’re interested in learning more, schedule an appointment for trauma counseling with us today.