What is the Relationship Between ADHD and PTSD?
While ADHD and PTSD are two very different disorders, there’s often a closer connection than most people realize. For starters, if you’re dealing with one, you’re more susceptible to the other.
If you have both already, one disorder can seriously impact the other. But why? What could they possibly have in common, and why are they so closely linked?
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the relationship between ADHD and PTSD, and what you can do to find relief from both if you’re struggling.
Similar Symptoms
For starters, many of the signs and symptoms of ADHD and PTSD can look the same. Obviously, the source is different. PTSD is experienced after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. ADHD is a disorder that is often found in childhood, where the brain works in such a way that makes it difficult to concentrate.
However, it’s not uncommon for people with PTSD to have problems concentrating or staying focused, as well. Some of the other commonly shared symptoms of these two disorders include:
Impulsive behaviors
Difficulty sleeping
Distractability
Memory issues
People with ADHD or PTSD might also be more irritable than others or easily startled. If you already have ADHD, it might make the symptoms of your PTSD worse, or vice versa. PTSD often comes with negative memories or flashbacks, and if your ADHD causes you to feel distracted or makes you lose focus, those flashbacks can happen more frequently, creating a sort of vicious cycle between the two conditions.
Again, the source of these issues is different. Getting to the root of your symptoms is important for your treatment and your future. But because they can look so similar, it’s not always easy to get a proper diagnosis.
Changes in the Brain
PTSD and ADHD both directly impact the brain. Research has shown that they both change the prefrontal cortex. This area of your brain is responsible for everything from problem-solving and emotional regulation to planning and controlling impulses.
If you want an easy way to consider how the prefrontal cortex works, look at a teenager. The prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed until adulthood. That can explain why kids and teens are often more impulsive, have difficulty working through their emotions, and might struggle with planning ahead. If your prefrontal cortex changes due to ADHD or PTSD, you might experience those same issues.
As you might expect, getting the right diagnosis for either (or both) of these disorders is essential since the treatment options are different. One of the best things you can do is to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about not only your symptoms but your history as well.
Different Types of Treatment
Typically, when a doctor hears about your medical history as well as your experiences, they’ll have an easier time determining whether you’re dealing with ADHD or PTSD. Getting a diagnosis can feel empowering, and it’s often the first step in getting the help you deserve.
There are some similarities in treatment options between ADHD and PTSD. People with either often benefit from therapy. A therapist can help you develop coping strategies for either condition so you can feel more in control of your symptoms rather than allowing them to dictate your life. Anti-anxiety medications can also often help with both conditions, and your therapist or doctor can work with you to find the right kind to fit your needs.
If you’re concerned that you might have ADHD, PTSD, or even that you’re dealing with both, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Getting the right diagnosis is essential, and it can change your life for the better. Feel free to contact me to schedule an appointment for ADHD treatment.