ADHD and Trauma: A Practical Guide for Australians

ADHD and PTSD: how they differ and overlap

The experiences below can come from either, which is why assessment takes care and time.

These are for reflection only, and only a qualified professional can assess what applies to you.

Can trauma cause ADHD? What is known

healthdirect describes ADHD as inherited, with early childhood trauma as one environmental factor that may contribute. It does not describe trauma on its own as the cause.

• healthdirect states genetic studies show ADHD is an inherited disorder (healthdirect).
• The same page lists environmental factors that may contribute, including premature birth, low birth weight, lead exposure and early childhood trauma.
• Some experiences after trauma, such as poor concentration or restlessness, can look similar to ADHD, so a clinician reviews your history from childhood.
• Both can be present, and the guideline reports high rates of co-occurring conditions: up to 80% of adults with ADHD have at least one additional mental health disorder (AADPA).

Can childhood trauma cause ADHD in adults?

Because ADHD is a developmental condition, it is assessed for signs that began in childhood.

• AADPA’s diagnostic checklist looks for symptoms before age 12, present for at least 6 months, and causing impairment in at least two settings (AADPA checklist).
• Clinicians therefore ask about early life, school reports and family history, and may speak with someone who knew you as a child.
• If adult symptoms started suddenly after a hard event, tell your doctor exactly when they began.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Complex PTSD, CPTSD and ADHD in adults

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a trauma-related condition, and some of its signs may look similar to ADHD or sit alongside it.

• Strong emotions, poor concentration and difficulty settling may relate to ADHD, a trauma-related condition or both.
• A clinician may ask about safety, relationships and childhood experiences before reaching a view, so tell them if some questions feel too hard.
• You can ask to go slowly, bring a support person and pause the appointment when you need to.
• Our guides on BPD and ADHD and CPTSD vs autism explain other conditions.

Is ADHD a trauma response?

ADHD is described as a neurodevelopmental condition, not a trauma response, and healthdirect states genetic studies show it is inherited.

• The two can still occur together, and the guideline reports high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions in adults with ADHD.
• Tell your clinician about stress and hard experiences, as well as attention problems, so they can see the whole picture.
• For ADHD and trauma in women, note that the guideline says girls and women with ADHD may frequently go unrecognised or be diagnosed late.
• If low mood is part of your picture, read about depression and ADHD in women.

Treatment for ADHD and PTSD combined

Treatment is individual, and your clinicians will usually decide together what to address first. Never start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your GP, psychiatrist or pharmacist.

• The Australian ADHD Guideline’s clinician factsheet states cognitive behavioural approaches should be offered to adolescents and adults with ADHD (AADPA factsheet).
• Ask your GP about a psychologist with trauma training who also understands ADHD.
• Ask a psychiatrist whether a medical review is suitable, and how it may interact with any trauma treatment.
• Parents can ask about family training for children and adolescents, which the factsheet says should be offered to parents and carers.
• healthdirect lists the ADHD Foundation on 1300 39 39 19 for ADHD support.

How to get help for ADHD and trauma

1. 1Tell your GP about both. Say you are concerned about ADHD and trauma, and ask for a long appointment so you are not rushed.
2. 2Write down your history. Note when attention, mood and sleep problems began, what was happening, and any reports or letters from school that exist.
3. 3Ask about a referral. A psychologist, psychiatrist or paediatrician with the right training can assess ADHD and trauma-related conditions together.
4. 4Set your pace. You do not have to tell your whole story at the first visit, and you can ask the clinician to explain the plan.
5. 5Add practical support. Routines, reminders and a trusted person to help with daily tasks may make everyday life easier.

ADHD and trauma support under the NDIS

NDIS funding is only available if you meet the NDIS access requirements.

• Ask your treating professional for a letter describing how your condition affects daily activities and how long it has lasted.
• Our guide on whether ADHD is a disability explains how disability is considered.
• If you are eligible, support workers can help with routines, appointments and community outings, and you can read about TQN Care NDIS services.
• If you are not eligible, ask your GP about local services and mental health care options.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

• Flashbacks, nightmares or sudden fear are affecting your sleep, work or relationships.
• You have had attention and organisation problems since childhood and want to ask about an assessment.
• You feel numb, on edge or constantly overwhelmed, and it is not easing.
• You are using alcohol or other substances to cope with memories or racing thoughts.
• A child in your care shows big changes in behaviour, sleep or school after a frightening event.

If you are thinking about suicide or self-harm, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If a life is in danger, call 000.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If everyday life feels heavy, practical support can take pressure off while you work with your clinicians. TQN Care support workers help with household tasks, appointments and community outings across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC), and we follow your lead on what feels safe. See our NDIS services or make a referral to talk it through.