Currently, research on the overlap of ADHD and PTSD is minimal. However, we can speculate that PTSD might “cause” ADHD, particularly in children. Once traumatized, a person may eventually meet the criteria for ADHD, even though ADHD was not present in his or her early development.

Can add be caused by trauma?

Trauma and traumatic stress, according to a growing body of research, are closely associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). Trauma and adversity can alter the brain’s architecture, especially in children, which may partly explain their link to the development of ADHD.

What does PTSD and ADHD look like?

For example, children who present with PTSD-related symptoms often have persistent thoughts and feelings related to fear, safety, and loss. Children with ADHD often have thoughts and feelings related to motivation, such as feeling overwhelmed by tasks and thus not wanting even to get started.