The Role of Trauma in Patients With ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental brain disorder defined by excessive and impaired levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, overactivity and inattention. Research shows that these deficits can affect areas of your life like work, relationships and school. They can also influence how you handle emotions and manage your feelings.
Does Someone You Love Have ADHD?
Both children and adults with ADHD are more likely to have a variety of behavioral and mental health challenges, as well as social challenges with family and friends. ADHD, of course, can continue from childhood right through adulthood and can contribute to ongoing challenges with emotions and behaviors. ADHD begins during childhood and is characterized by persistent hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity that impairs daily functioning. Distinct personality characteristics of adult who may be living under the cloud of ADHD (and may not even know it) have things in common:
- Poor time management
- Can’t stay organized
- Trouble sitting still
- Low self esteem
- Can’t focus on one task
- Difficulty listening to people
- Trouble sleeping
- Constantly interrupting
ADHD often links back to childhood trauma The frequency of childhood ADHD worldwide has been estimated to be between 2-7 percent in adults. One set of research studies analyzed over 10,500 children aged 5-17 from 2021 to 2022.
Of those child participants with ADHD, 23.3% had experienced trauma the researchers labeled, at that time, adverse childhood experiences (or ACE). Examples of ACE include having a parent or caregiver in prison, physical and verbal abuse, and living with a person who has mental illness or drug addiction. ADHD tended to surface most in children due to parental divorce, financial hardship, experiencing violence and living in a disrupted household. Children with ADHD were also much more likely to have experienced multiple types of trauma simultaneously. Living with an adult with ADHD requires patience, clear communication, and shared routines to reduce friction and build a supportive home.
Mental and emotional challenges living with ADHD
ADHD obviously looks different between kids and adults. Adults dealing with inattention and hyperactivity may have more difficulty than average completing long reports for work, sitting through meetings or restaurant meals, paying bills on time or sustaining romantic relationships. Fortunately, recognition and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for people of all ages just continues to improve. Still, adults living with ADHD are more likely to experience memory problems, restlessness and lack of mental focus as they age. Even though you may find that evidence-based treatments like medication and psychotherapy for adults go a long way to help manage the condition, learning effective behavioral strategies can provide the power to control ADHD symptoms in the moment. If you have questions, it may be time to get professional help. Both children and adults with ADHD are more likely to have a variety of behavioral and mental health challenges, as well as social challenges with family and friends. For help, look for multidisciplinary staff that have the training and skills to help with mental health crises or co-occurring addiction disorders. Programs and services are for people dealing with substance use disorders and mental health disorders, including trauma, depression, ADHD, anxiety, stress and bereavement. We can help you grow and unlock your best self.
Contact Fuller Hospital in Attleboro, Mass.
Fuller Hospital is a full-service behavioral health center serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, offering inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for adults, adolescents, children and families.
