ADHD and Trauma: Untangling the Similarities and Differences

When someone struggles with focus, emotional regulation, or forgetfulness, it’s easy to assume ADHD is the cause. But what if it’s not? What if it’s trauma—or both?

ADHD and trauma can look surprisingly similar on the surface, and it’s not uncommon for people to be misdiagnosed (or undiagnosed) because the signs are so intertwined. Understanding the differences—and the overlaps—can lead to more clarity, compassion, and effective support.

Let’s Start with the Basics

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition present from childhood. It affects executive function—things like planning, focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

Trauma, on the other hand, is a response to a distressing or overwhelming event (or series of events) that exceeds the brain's ability to cope. Trauma can be a one-time incident or the result of chronic stress (like growing up in an unstable or unsafe environment).

While one is brain-based and typically lifelong (ADHD), the other is an adaptive response to stress (trauma). Yet both can shape behavior in surprisingly similar ways.

How ADHD and Trauma Can Look Alike

Here are some common traits seen in both ADHD and trauma responses:

• Difficulty concentrating  

Both ADHD and trauma can make it hard to focus. In ADHD, this is due to underactivation of certain brain networks. In trauma, it’s because the brain is stuck in survival mode, always scanning for danger.

• Emotional reactivity

ADHD brains feel things intensely and may have trouble with emotional regulation. People with trauma may also have heightened emotional responses, especially if they’re triggered by a memory or situation that feels unsafe.

• Forgetfulness or disorganization 

The executive function challenges of ADHD mirror the memory disruptions that can happen with trauma—especially if someone is dealing with chronic stress.

• Restlessness or hyperactivity  

ADHD can show up as physical hyperactivity or mental restlessness. Trauma, especially in children, can also present this way—sometimes as a way to escape feelings or sensations in the body.

So, What’s the Difference?

Despite the overlaps, ADHD and trauma come from different roots and often need different kinds of support.

Feature	ADHD	Trauma
Origin	Neurological, often genetic	Caused by a distressing experience(s)
Timeline	Present from early childhood (even if undiagnosed)	Can develop at any time
Focus Issues	Brain-based difficulty with attention	Brain on high alert, distracted by perceived threats
Emotional Regulation	Linked to underachieve pre-frontal cortex	Tied to nervous system dysregulation and triggers
Treatment	Coaching, therapy, medication, lifestyle support	Trauma-informed therapy (like EMDR, somatic work)

Can Someone Have Both?

Yes—absolutely. In fact, many people with ADHD are more vulnerable to experiencing trauma. The very nature of ADHD—struggling in school, getting in trouble, feeling different, or being told you're “too much”—can be traumatic in itself.

This is especially true for women and girls, who are often undiagnosed and internalize years of criticism, shame, or confusion. Likewise, people who grew up in chaotic or abusive environments may develop trauma-related symptoms and also have undiagnosed ADHD.

It’s not an either-or—it’s often a both-and.

Why This Matters

Getting clarity about ADHD and trauma isn’t just about having the right label—it’s about getting the right support.

Someone with trauma may not benefit from a stimulant medication the way someone with ADHD would. And someone with ADHD won’t fully thrive in talk therapy alone if their executive function needs aren’t being addressed.

If you’ve been spinning in cycles of shame, overwhelm, or self-blame, it might be worth exploring both paths. What looks like ADHD could be unhealed trauma. What looks like trauma could be an undiagnosed brain-based difference. And what looks like a mess might just be a misunderstood nervous system doing its best.

Whether it’s ADHD, trauma, or both, the most important thing is this: you’re not broken.

Understanding the WHY Behind your struggles can be one of the most empowering steps on your journey. With the right tools, support, and self-compassion, it’s possible to heal, grow, and thrive.

Gina Odom, Certified ADHD Life Coach

gina@gro-mindset.com