To be honest, ADHD and PTSD are not two things that are often mentioned together in the same conversation. While these are two distinct conditions, there can be a clear connection between them.
When you have one of these conditions, you’re automatically at a higher risk of developing the other. Let’s take a closer look at the connection.
The Basics of ADHD
ADHD is often thought of as a childhood issue. In the US, roughly 11% of children are diagnosed with ADHD. It’s also worth noting that boys receive higher diagnosis rates compared to girls. It could be due to a true differentiation or possibly caused by a lesser likelihood of diagnosis for girls due to symptom presentation.
ADHD can also, however, impact adults. Currently, there are around 4.5% of adults with an ADHD diagnosis. Some have received that diagnosis as children, but others were diagnosed as adults.
ADHD is a neurological disorder and can have a negative impact on quality of life. Symptoms often reported include:
Inattention
Hyperactivity
Fidgeting/frequent movement
Excessive talking
Difficulty focusing or staying on task
Forgetfulness
The Basics of PTSD
Unlike ADHD, PTSD is the result of a traumatic experience, or in some cases an ongoing experience. It is something developed rather than something you’re born with. Similar to ADHD, it is considered to be one form of neurodivergence.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
Outbursts
Feelings of anger
Hypervigilance
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Poor concentration
Intrusive thoughts
Similar Symptom Presentation
ADHD occurs when the brain functions differently and PTSD occurs after a negative experience. These are two very different conditions, but symptoms can often look similar to the naked eye.
ADHD is often characterized by having difficulty concentrating on certain tasks. With PTSD, however, concentration troubles can be a shared symptom. Similarly, the two may share such symptoms as sleep issues, distractibility, and poor memory. With either condition, you may have a tendency to be more irritable in certain situations.
The two can also feed off each other. If you’re living with ADHD and develop PTSD after witnessing a traumatic event, it could make any of the symptoms worse. One key characteristic of PTSD is flashbacks. Unfortunately, due to the nature of ADHD and distractibility, your PTSD flashbacks could be triggered more often.
Being able to differentiate between the two conditions can be a bit muddy due to the overlap of symptoms and the way they can manifest. Receiving an official and proper diagnosis can be of importance when both conditions are possible.
The Impact on the Brain
Both ADHD and PTSD can have a direct impact on the brain and change how it’s wired, so to speak. Each one plays a role with the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functioning tasks like problem-solving, planning, impulse control, emotional regulation, and goal setting.
If you experience prefrontal cortex changes, your overall behaviors can mimic those who have less developed prefrontal cortexes, like teens. The best way to assess your situation and take positive steps toward managing it is to obtain a proper diagnosis from a professional.
Diagnosis
It is easy to turn to the Internet to do a quick search of symptoms hoping to find an easy answer. When you type in any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, you may notice many conditions could be applicable.
Talking with a professional about your medical history, noteworthy events or experiences, and symptoms you’re trying to manage can help make the determination easier. Additionally, getting a true diagnosis can be freeing, relieving, and empowering. Knowing what is going on is the first step in finding the right course of treatment.
If you believe you’re dealing with ADHD, PTSD, or both, consider reaching out to explore the situation further. Contact us for a free consultation.
