It is ADHD awareness month! So, in honor of that I am going to take a moment to discuss the connection between trauma and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I know many people who struggle with ADHD and trauma simultaneously.
ADHD: A brief overview
This neurotype affects 8.7% of children and 4.4% of adults. 75% of children with a diagnosis of ADHD will have symptoms into adulthood. Women are often missed in childhood, and it can be helpful to assess for it later in life. There are many possible causes for ADHD including:
- Genetics, innate neurotype
- Emotional or physical trauma (including brain injuries)
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Chemical exposures.
Symptoms:
- Struggle to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings.
- Frequently fidgeting.
- being unable to concentrate on tasks.
- Excessive physical movement.
- Excessive talking.
- Interrupting conversations or struggling wait their turn.
- Acting impulsively
- Difficulty with organizational tasks and executive function.
Genetics: ADHD is often associated with a genetic mutation in monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene. MAO is enzyme responsible for the breakdown of serotonin. This gene can also be influenced by chemical stressors including heavy metals, plastics, and pesticides as well as traumatic experiences.
Both emotional and physical trauma affect the neural pathways of the brain. 20-30% of patients who suffer from concussion had ADHD diagnosed prior to the injury and up 21% are diagnosed withs secondary ADHD after an injury. Heavy metals including lead, mercury, manganese, and arsenic can affect the serotonin pathway downstream. This receptor can lead to an increase in anxiety, hyperactivity, and decreased cognition.
PTSD: an Overview
PTSD is an acquired injury occurring after experiencing a traumatic event. Complex PTSD occurs from more trauma that occurs over extended period of time usually in childhood. It affects the Hypothalmus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis creating high levels of cortisol. It can additionally decrease the inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, easily startled, hyperactivity, and anxiety.
The overlap between PTSD and ADHD
PTSD and ADHD affect the prefrontal cortex responsible for executive function and decision making. There is a strong correlation between trauma and the development of ADHD.
- 50% of patients with history of hyperactivity, disruptive behavior, and irritability during childhood were likely to experience psychological trauma
- Coexisting PTSD and ADHD occurs 12-37% of cases
- Increased incidence of ADHD in boys experiencing emotional abuse and in girls experiencing physical abuse by 3-fold and girls also have more severe symptoms.
- Increased risk with foster care due to lack of attachment
- The longer the trauma the more likely for a diagnosis of ADHD
Why does all this science mumbo jumbo matter?
It shows there are physical anatomical reasons why your ADHD is worse when you’re stressed, depressed, anxious, or having a trauma trigger. What you experienced as a child may still be impacting your brain. Perhaps you don’t think your trauma was that bad. The truth is that we all have experienced trauma and trauma occurs when we aren’t supported around the event. Trauma can come in many forms.
So what do we do with this information?!
- Avoiding pesticides and plastics can help. Choose plant based organic food that is free of pesticides if possible. Look at switching to glass non-plastic storage to avoid plastics. Plastics are a known endocrine disrupter and can affect our neural circuits.
- Reducing STRESS can help. It is challenging especially in the current state of the world. It is important to recognize the ways we play out patterns from our childhood and they continue to impact us.
- Meet your brain where it’s at. For example, if dishes are hard get compostable bowls. Save on energy where you can.
- Find ways to build mindfulness into your day. That might be meditation, a bath, a walk, or listening to music.
- Work with a coach that specializes in ADHD to give you tools to support your unique brain.
- Supporting the GABA and dopamine pathways through supplementation can help.