Childhood Trauma and ADHD: Is There a Connection?

There appears to be growing evidence that childhood trauma can be linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The association involved adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increasing the likelihood of having ADHD. As you’ll see below, there are valid reasons why such a connection may exist. But first, as with any such discovery, caution must be taken.

Pediatric clinicians rarely use screening tools for trauma when evaluating a child suspected of having ADHD. Of course, a history is taken and parents are consulted, but until trauma screenings become more common, nothing can yet be called conclusive. Also, we must keep in mind that children with ADHD are often rejected or bullied. This could be the ACE that serves as the link. Let’s look more closely.

Symptoms of ADHD and Childhood Trauma Often Overlap

Some of the same parts of a child’s brain that change due to trauma are also altered by ADHD. As a result, both groups (not to mention the co-morbid population) may display similar symptoms, e.g.

• Inability to regulate emotions
• Sleep disturbances
• Hyperactivity
• Easy distracted
• Social difficulties
• Struggles with concentration, losing things, and executive functioning skills
• Restlessness and agitation
• Problems with learning
• Negative self-image
• A sense of being on high alert

Since almost 1 in 5 children who are exposed to trauma also meet the criteria for ADHD, even a seasoned clinician can be unsure about what exactly is going on.

Can Traumatic Stress Be Considered a Risk Factor for ADHD?

Adverse childhood experiences are traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. They can involve (among many other things):

• Neglect or abandonment
• Psychological, physical, or sexual abuse
• Death of a loved one
• Natural disaster
• Victimized by a crime
• Domestic violence
• A household that includes any of the following: disability, substance abuse, incarceration, divorce, etc.

The more ACEs a child endures, the greater the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), and other serious conditions like heart disease,  stroke, and more. ADHD is being added to that list by many mental health professionals.

At the same time, it’s being observed that having ADHD puts a child at a higher risk of trauma. A child with ADHD is typically more likely to struggle with co-existing mental health disorders. However, as touched on above, ADHD itself can increase the odds of being traumatized. Long-term research and observations find children with ADHD experience more mistreatment and injuries than others in their age range.

Therefore, when considering this post’s title, the answer has to be yes. There is enough of a connection between childhood trauma and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to warrant new diligence and protocols when considering such a co-morbidity.

What Can/Should a Concerned Parent Do?

As is often the case, you’ll need a careful blend of diligence and calm. You don’t want to jump to conclusions and create an array of worst-case scenarios. At the same time, if your child is displaying the symptoms listed above and/or has undergone any of the potentially traumatizing events listed above, it makes sense to get input from a qualified medical team.

Several different assessments, tests, and evaluations help guide you and your child in the most logical directions. All along this journey, however, never forget how complex the factors can become. This means it will become incumbent on you, as the parent, to undergo serious self-education. You will be an important component in the diagnosis process.

Take-Home Message

Unfortunately, ADHD and ACEs are increasingly common realities. Since associations and connections are being made, you can help your child immensely by doing some homework and connecting with an ADHD or trauma therapist who can serve as a guide. Let’s talk soon. Contact our office to request an appointment.