Quick Answer
PTSD with ADHD can be hard to untangle because both cause trouble concentrating, restlessness, irritability and sleep problems. ADHD symptoms typically date back to childhood, while PTSD follows trauma. Many people have both. A careful evaluation guides treatment, which may include PTSD care, ADHD treatment and attention to sleep.
Understanding PTSD With ADHD
PTSD and ADHD can look strikingly similar. Both can cause trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, restlessness, irritability, impulsivity and poor sleep. In PTSD, attention is often pulled toward threat or intrusive memories, and hypervigilance can make it hard to settle. In ADHD, attention difficulties are lifelong and show up across many settings, often with disorganization and trouble starting or finishing tasks. Many adults have both. People with ADHD may be more likely to experience certain traumas, such as accidents, and trauma in childhood can make ADHD symptoms worse. This guide is part of our PTSD care hub for New York adults.
Sorting out the overlap matters because treatment differs. A careful evaluation looks at when symptoms started, whether they were present before a trauma, and how they show up in different settings. School records, report cards or input from family can help reconstruct childhood patterns. If attention problems existed long before any trauma, ADHD is likely part of the picture. If they started after a trauma, PTSD may be the main driver. Our guide on PTSD and work performance covers concentration at work.
For New Yorkers juggling fast-paced jobs and noisy environments, attention problems can come from ADHD, PTSD or both. Nationally, NIMH estimates that 3.6% of U.S. adults had PTSD in the past year, with higher rates among women (5.2%) than men (1.8%). Secure video visits from anywhere in New York can make it easier to start trauma care from a place that feels safe.
Overlapping attention symptoms, childhood history and timeline, and stimulants and PTSD are the three topics this guide covers.
Order of treatment
When both conditions are present, clinicians often address PTSD and sleep first, since hyperarousal and poor sleep can worsen attention. If attention problems remain after PTSD improves, ADHD treatment is added. In other cases, treating ADHD first helps someone engage in therapy. The order depends on which symptoms are most disabling. Plans are individualized.
Practical strategies
Regardless of cause, practical strategies help attention: breaking tasks into small steps, using lists, calendars and reminders, reducing distractions, scheduling demanding work for peak times, and building routines. Regular exercise and sleep support focus. Therapy can help with organization, impulsivity and coping skills. These strategies work alongside medication.
PTSD With ADHD at a glance
| Clue | More suggestive of |
|---|---|
| Symptoms since early childhood | ADHD |
| Symptoms began after a trauma | PTSD |
| Attention pulled by threat or memories | PTSD |
| Lifelong disorganization across settings | ADHD |
| Both patterns present | Both conditions |
Childhood history
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood, even if they weren’t diagnosed. Clues include being described as distractible, forgetful or restless in school, trouble finishing homework or chronic disorganization. For people who experienced childhood trauma, it can be hard to tell which came first. Some children with trauma look like they have ADHD. Careful history-taking, sometimes with structured questionnaires, helps clarify the picture.
Stimulants and PTSD
Stimulant medications for ADHD can improve focus but may increase anxiety, jitteriness or sleep problems in some people with PTSD. For others, they help significantly, especially when PTSD is well treated. Non-stimulant ADHD medications are an alternative. Stimulants are controlled substances, and in New York prescribers check the Prescription Monitoring Program under I-STOP. Your prescriber will weigh benefits and risks and monitor closely. Our guides on PTSD and work performance and PTSD with bipolar disorder cover related topics.
ADHD and PTSD care for New York patients
ADHD and PTSD evaluations can happen by secure video, and rating scales can be completed online. Visits run by secure video anywhere in New York, while you’re physically in the state. The practice is in-network with Aetna and Cigna; confirm your New York plan with the office, and see self-pay fees on the Good Faith Estimate page.
Treatment
Trauma-focused therapy and SSRIs can treat PTSD. ADHD may be treated with stimulants or non-stimulants, along with skills-based therapy. Your prescriber will check for interactions and monitor sleep, mood and blood pressure. Treating both conditions often improves daily life more than treating one alone.
When to seek help
Seek an evaluation if trouble focusing, restlessness or impulsivity are affecting work, school or relationships, especially if you also have trauma symptoms. Using alcohol or other substances to cope is another sign. Thoughts of suicide need immediate help through 988. Both PTSD and ADHD are treatable.
Living with both conditions can feel like fighting on two fronts. Trauma keeps the mind scanning for danger, while ADHD makes it hard to hold attention even when things are calm. Many adults with both describe years of feeling scattered, overwhelmed and misunderstood. Getting an accurate picture often brings relief, because it explains struggles that once felt like personal failings. From there, treatment can target each piece, and progress in one area often makes the other easier to manage.
Key Takeaways
- PTSD and ADHD share symptoms like poor focus and restlessness.
- ADHD usually begins in childhood; PTSD follows a traumatic event.
- People with ADHD may face higher risk of some traumas.
- Treating both often works better than treating one alone.
The Bottom Line
PTSD With ADHD is common and treatable, and careful care can make daily life feel more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PTSD look like ADHD?
Yes, PTSD and ADHD share symptoms like trouble concentrating, restlessness, irritability and poor sleep. In PTSD, attention is often pulled toward threat or memories. In ADHD, attention problems are lifelong and appear across settings. Many adults have both. A careful evaluation sorts it out. Your clinician can help you decide on next steps.
How can I tell if I have ADHD or PTSD?
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood, while PTSD follows a traumatic event. Clues include whether attention problems existed before any trauma. School records or family input can help. Structured questionnaires may be used. Some people have both conditions. Support is available, and you don't have to handle it alone.
Can I take ADHD stimulants if I have PTSD?
Some people with PTSD benefit from stimulants, especially when PTSD is well treated. Others notice more anxiety, jitteriness or sleep problems. Non-stimulant ADHD medications are an alternative. In New York, prescribers check the Prescription Monitoring Program before prescribing stimulants. Your prescriber will monitor closely. Many people notice real improvement with the right plan.
Which is treated first, PTSD or ADHD?
Clinicians often address PTSD and sleep first, since hyperarousal and poor sleep can worsen attention. ADHD treatment is added if attention problems remain. Sometimes treating ADHD first helps someone engage in therapy. The order depends on which symptoms are most disabling. Plans are individualized for most people.
Does childhood trauma cause ADHD?
Childhood trauma doesn't cause ADHD, but it can produce symptoms that look like ADHD. It can also make existing ADHD symptoms worse. Some children with trauma are misdiagnosed. Careful history-taking helps clarify the picture. Both can be present at the same time. Your clinician can help you decide on next steps.
Can I get an ADHD and PTSD evaluation by video in New York?
Yes, evaluations and follow-ups happen by secure video anywhere in New York. You need to be physically in New York during each visit. Rating scales can be completed online beforehand. The practice is in-network with Aetna and Cigna; confirm your New York plan with the office. Prescriptions go electronically to your pharmacy.
Where to go from here
- Right now, if you're not safe
- Call or text 988, or call 911.
- If you'd like an evaluation
- See how scheduling and telehealth work on the new patient page.
- If you want to keep reading
- Return to Dr. Farkas's New York PTSD resources for more guides. For more help preparing and finding care, see NIMH’s tips for talking with your health care provider.
How We Reviewed This Page
Written by Steven Lockhart of Health Marketing Group and clinically reviewed by Gabriella I. Farkas, MD PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist. Clinical information comes from the sources listed below, and the page is reviewed every 180 days or when guidance changes.
What’s new: September 29, 2026. Page published.
References
- New York State Senate. New I-STOP Law To Help State Fight Prescription Drug Abuse (2012). https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2012/velmanette-montgomery/new-i-stop-law-help-state-fight-prescription
- National Institute of Mental Health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) statistics. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/
- Tips for talking with your health care provider. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider