Poster #18

Overlooking Childhood Trauma: Differentiating Between ADHD and Complex Trauma

By: Melanie Kushi

Abstract:

Children who have experienced adverse and traumatic experiences during early childhood lack the ability to articulate painful emotions and develop healthy ways of coping. They learn to protect themselves in maladaptive ways, which manifests as behavioral problems. Therefore, trauma symptoms are often overlooked. The Diagnostic Manual of Psychiatric Disorders (DSM-5) reveals a significant overlap of symptoms between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). The similarities can be difficult to differentiate, especially in the academic settings. This often leads to behaviors often attributed to ADHD, leading to a misdiagnosis and over diagnosing ADHD, resulting in prescribing medication and therapeutic interventions that are not relevant. It is imperative that the Trauma Informed Care model be taken into consideration to be able to effectively help these children. Providing education to caregivers, schools, and community agencies regarding trauma informed care would create a better understanding of trauma related behaviors rather than assume ADHD symptomology.