Is It ADHD or Childhood Trauma?

July 30, 2019

Childhood Traumatic Stress has been found to have several symptoms in common with ADHD, which can lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment of the root problem. If you are reading this article about a child you love, know that a professional evaluation is needed to decide. Getting help for your child is critical. You’ll need assistance sorting this out and getting your child the required support.  

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that causes a person to have trouble focusing, sitting still, and exercising self-control. ADHD diagnoses have been steadily increasing and are usually made during childhood. The causes of ADHD are thought to primarily be neurological differences, specifically in higher-level areas of the brain that deal with executive functions. ADHD symptoms are categorized into behavioral, cognitive, and mood. Behavioral characteristics of ADHD include impulsivity, fidgeting, and aggression; mental symptoms involve absent-mindedness, short attention span, and forgetfulness; and mood traits contain anger, anxiety, and boredom. 

Related imageChildhood traumas can range from one-time events like car accidents to ongoing negative experiences like physical abuse. Symptoms such as being easily distracted, restless, and disorganized are a few of the characteristics shared between those with ADHD and children experiencing traumatic stress. Identifying differences between ADHD and trauma is imperative to administer the proper treatment and ensure that the trauma is not currently ongoing. Psychologists look for a few details to differentiate between ADHD and Childhood Traumatic Stress, such as fear or guilt, which may suggest trauma. Another behavior usually present in victims of childhood trauma but not in ADHD is avoidant behavior, meaning the child will attempt to avoid reminders or triggers of their trauma.

An assessment for childhood trauma usually includes ruling out a range of potentially traumatic experiences and identifying specific symptoms through clinical interviews, standardized measures, and information gathering from those who know the child well. Once the therapist determines whether the issue is ADHD, childhood trauma, or both, an appropriate treatment plan can be utilized. ADHD is usually treated with educational programs for the child and the family, cognitive behavioral therapy, and sometimes a prescribed medication. Childhood traumatic stress is treated with treatment focusing on risk assessment and reduction, building safe routines, processing the traumatic event in an age-appropriate fashion, developing emotional regulation skills, and teaching stress management. 

If you are seeking help with a different diagnosis for yourself or a loved one, give us a call. Our expert clinicians are highly skilled at diagnostic clarification and formulating associated treatment plans.

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