ADHD and trauma – similarities and differences

Social media and the trend of allowing everyone the freedom to “be who they are” have given people with ADHD the space to stop masking (hiding) their ADHD symptoms to such a great extent.

However, because they have not learned how to cope with who they are and the challenges that ADHD brings, they often develop other mental health issues that mask ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, falling into toxic relationships, or burnout…

Unfortunately, until the root cause is recognized, the changes achieved through self-work and psychotherapy remain

short-lived and superficial.

 

What are the similarities, differences, and overlaps between ADHD and trauma?

Symptoms of unresolved trauma:

        • Fear

        • Gulit

        • Irritability

        • Feeling insecure

        • Feeling helpless

        • Distrust

        • High sensitivity (excessive sensitivity)

        • Nightmares

        • Self-sabotaging behaviours

       

      Symptoms of unregulated ADHD:

            • Impatience

            • Procrastination

            • Difficulties in maintaining and/or directing attention

            • Difficulties in following instructions

            • Difficulties with planning and organization

            • Difficulties with emotional self-regulation

            • Impulsivity

            • Hyperactivity

           

          Overlap between ADHD and trauma:

                • Indecisiveness

                • Shame

                • Restlessness

                • Self-blame

                • Forgetfulness

                • Insomnia

                • Difficulty concentrating

                • Social anxiety

                • Burnout

                • Emotional overwhelm

               

              The main question follows:

              What came first: ADHD or trauma?

              There is no clear answer.

              The fact is that ADHD is 70-90% genetically caused.

              For the gene to be expressed, there must be significant external stress (e.g., trauma).

               

              Furthermore, there is upbringing.

              If your parents were neurodiverse, they likely couldn’t teach you skills they themselves hadn’t mastered, such as emotional self-regulation, communication skills, planning, discipline, consistency, etc.

               

              The beliefs you inherited about love, money, work, sex also, until you become aware of them, greatly influence your decisions and behavior.

              This keeps you in constant stress, and you get used to functioning that way. The absence of it throws you off balance.

              What is certain is that ADHD is a NEURODIVERSITY that cannot be “fixed” or “cured.”

              With ADHD, you can learn to GROW and LIVE – on your terms.

              If you’re tired of feeling like you don’t FIT IN…

              If it’s easy for you to self-blame…

              If you’re terrified of how quickly things, people, and tasks bore you, and you’re afraid to admit it…

              YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

              If you know you want to work on self-acceptance, building self-esteem, and healing trauma, reach out to start working together here.

               

              You can hear more about this topic on my YouTube channel at the following link:

              If you’re a professional and want to learn more about (psycho)therapeutic work with adults with ADHD, the recording of the webinar “Therapeutic Techniques in Working with ADHD” is available for €30.

              You would like the recording? Contact me here.

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