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Comorbidity of attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) show a high degree of comorbidity in traumatized children. Two hypotheses may help explain this relationship: children with ADHD are at higher risk for trauma due to their impulsivity, dangerous behaviors, and parents who may have a genetic predisposition for impairment of their own impulse control; and hyperarousal induced by severe trauma and manifested by hypervigilance and poor concentration may impair attention to create an ADHD-like syndrome. Four illustrative cases are presented, and implications for treatment are discussed.

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Cuffe, S.P., McCullough, E.L. & Pumariega, A.J. Comorbidity of attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. J Child Fam Stud 3, 327–336 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02234689

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