The Link Between ADHD and Trauma
By Medical News Today
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that often begins in childhood. Studies have found that trauma occurring in childhood may exacerbate or predict some ADHD symptoms.
Traumatic events, such as experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect, can not only result in children behaving in ways that imitate ADHD, but these symptoms can develop well into adulthood as well. Symptoms may include Trusted Source difficulty focusing, inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
However, some symptoms occurring in children after a traumatic event, such as violence at home, may actually be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms such as being unable to focus in class or being constantly fidgety may result in a misdiagnosis of ADHD.
