ADHD or Trauma? How Past Experiences Can Mask or Mimic Symptoms

What ADHD and Trauma Have in Common

Both ADHD and trauma can affect concentration, memory, and emotional regulation. Hypervigilance from trauma can look like distractibility. Shutdown responses can look like inattention.

How Trauma Can Affect Executive Functioning

Fight-or-Flight States

When someone’s nervous system is on high alert due to past trauma, they may react impulsively, struggle with planning, or feel overwhelmed by small tasks.

Emotional Dysregulation

Difficulty managing big emotions is a symptom of both ADHD and trauma-related disorders like PTSD or complex trauma (C-PTSD).

The Risk of Misdiagnosis

Mistaking One for the Other

Someone might be told they have ADHD when they’re actually experiencing trauma responses—or vice versa. This can lead to inappropriate treatment.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Treatment for trauma (like EMDR or trauma-focused therapy) differs from ADHD interventions. Getting the right help starts with knowing what you’re dealing with.

Can You Have Both Trauma and ADHD?

Yes, and this is very common. Trauma can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, making them harder to manage. ADHD may also increase the likelihood of traumatic experiences due to impulsivity or difficulty assessing risk.

Getting Clarity Through Testing

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation includes an exploration of trauma history and symptoms. At Restore Psychology, we take a trauma-informed approach to ensure you feel safe, supported, and fully understood.