Many people suffer trauma as a child. This can impact on our lives long into adulthood, and may never be resolved if we don’t address it. I’ve been learning about CPTSD, which is Complex or Childhood Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and as many as 1 in 5 of us are living with the condition.
Some of the symptoms are similar to ADHD, like insomnia, restlessness, distraction and zoning out. Many people have flashbacks, anxiety, heightened emotions and self destructive behaviours. It’s not surprising that the two conditions are sometimes misdiagnosed as each other.
But people with ADHD are more likely to suffer childhood trauma for a number of reasons. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, impulsive behaviour, parental ill health and a dysfunctional home life can all contribute to traumatic events or long term harm and neglect in childhood. Many struggling adults may have both conditions without realising.
For more about CPTSD, have a look at this blog post – Is your upbringing bringing you down? and companion video by my good friend Dr Alyson Jenkins.
