2025 Insights: How Childhood Trauma Can Mimic ADHD Symptoms and Impact Your Life

For the very first time, I felt truly heard and understood.

Trauma has a unique way of manifesting within our bodies and minds. In my experience, the trauma I endured during childhood presented itself as inattentiveness—symptoms often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

As a child, my hypervigilance and dissociation were frequently misunderstood as rebellious or defiant behavior. Following my parents’ divorce when I was just three years old, educators often labeled my inattentiveness as deliberate attention-seeking, which only compounded my struggles.

Throughout my school years, focusing on tasks was a constant challenge. Completing homework felt overwhelming, and I often grew frustrated when I couldn’t grasp certain subjects. I mistakenly believed these difficulties were personal shortcomings, which gradually eroded my self-confidence.

It wasn’t until adulthood that I began to reflect deeply on my challenges with concentration, emotional regulation, and impulsivity. I started to question whether there was an underlying cause beyond mere willpower.

Gradually, like unraveling a tangled ball of yarn, I worked through memories and emotions tied to my past trauma.

This process helped me make sense of many struggles, yet some issues with attention and executive function remained unexplained.

Further research and introspection led me to recognize that my symptoms closely resembled those of ADHD. Though initially unfamiliar with the neurodevelopmental disorder, something about this realization resonated deeply.

At my next therapy session, I mustered the courage to share these insights.

Despite feeling nervous, I was ready to face these challenges head-on, confident that my therapist provided a safe space for open dialogue.

Describing my difficulties with focus and organization, such as relying on multiple lists and calendars, my therapist listened attentively and validated my experiences.

She reassured me that my feelings were not only valid but also backed by research.

Studies have shown that children exposed to trauma often exhibit behaviors similar to those diagnosed with ADHD.

Notably, early childhood trauma increases the likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis. While one does not directly cause the other, a significant correlation exists.

For the first time, I felt free from shame and understood in a way I never had before.

In 2015, after years of mental health struggles, I was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). This diagnosis marked the beginning of my journey toward healing from within.

It was during this healing process that I also began recognizing ADHD symptoms.

Research supports this overlap: adults with PTSD often experience additional symptoms resembling ADHD.

The rising ADHD diagnoses among youth prompt important questions about trauma’s role.

Dr. Nicole Brown of Johns Hopkins observed that many young patients with behavioral issues did not respond to typical ADHD medications.

Her research revealed that repeated early trauma leads to toxic stress, potentially disrupting neurodevelopment.

Alarmingly, nearly one million children may be misdiagnosed with ADHD annually, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed care from a young age.

This approach paves the way for more effective treatments and earlier identification of PTSD in youth.

As an adult, navigating these challenges has been difficult, especially before understanding the root causes.

Stressful situations often triggered dissociation or hypervigilance, leaving me overwhelmed and unable to focus.

Before therapy, my brain would frequently overload and shut down, making daily life a struggle.

Comments about seeming distracted or uninterested affected my relationships, though in reality, my mind was striving to self-regulate.

I simply didn’t know how else to protect myself.

Despite ongoing research needs, coping strategies from therapy have significantly improved my mental health.

I adopted time management techniques, organizational tools, and grounding exercises to calm my mind.

While these methods helped, I recognized the need for additional support and scheduled a medical consultation to explore further options.

Initially, acknowledging my difficulties brought shame and embarrassment, but understanding the trauma-ADHD connection reframed my perspective.

Unraveling the complex threads of my experiences has shown me that I am resilient and deserving of kindness.

Though medication cannot erase trauma, naming and addressing my symptoms has been profoundly empowering.

Amanda (Ama) Scriver is a freelance journalist known for her candid and impactful storytelling. Her work has appeared in Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, FLARE, National Post, Allure, and Leafly. She resides in Toronto and shares insights on Instagram.

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