ADHD and PTSD

Yes. Research suggests that up to 17% of children who have experienced trauma meet ADHD criteria. Adults with ADHD are nearly seven times more likely to have PTSD than those without.

It’s thought that ‘traumatic stress, apart from other factors like premature birth, environmental toxins, and genetics, is associated with risk for ADHD. The connection is likely rooted in toxic stress – the result of prolonged activation of the body’s stress management system.’

When someone has both conditions, it’s likely the symptoms for both will be worse than if they just had one condition. That said, there’s no evidence that one causes the other.

We are not suggesting that all ADHD diagnoses are wrong. But we know that misdiagnosis happens sometimes. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential, whether you think you or a loved one may have one or both of these conditions.

If you think you may have PTSD, please speak to your GP. Only an experienced professional should make your diagnosis, and once you have that diagnosis, you’ll be on track to get the right treatment.

It also really important that ‘clinicians… increase their understanding of trauma and adopt an informed approach when assessing and treating children for ADHD.’ (PTSDuk, 2024)

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