Peter A Levine, PhD speaks to ADHD in Relation to Trauma

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder has many potential causes; the creator of Somatic Experiencing sees a link to those who experience trauma.

[ingejustavanderhelm]

Peter A. Levine: "When you're constantly being pulled back to trauma related experiences, you're not in the here and now, you can't focus."

[kothija]

Im an adult with ADHD and I understand Peter's take on trauma and ADHD.  I know the trauma or should i say multiple traumas i had as a child and I can see where these symptoms and a host of others came from.  I have had a host of therapies for many years, i know they all work in one way or another and now SE is the therapy of my choice.  It has helped me tremendously the past year.

[sariña_seoane]

I had a pretty uneventful childhood, grew up in a relatively healthy household and I've displayed ADHD symptoms pretty early on on life.
Yes, I hold trauma and I can confidently say that my ADHD is the one responsible for it (since my trauma is directly tied to a really hard, stressful and unsuccessful academic life, result of almost 22 years of undiagnosed ADHD)
Obviously this is *my own personal experience*, which I know, isn't universal^^

[Grindhours]

All people with adhd(with hyperactivity) I have talked to, have one thing in common: their fathers were alcoholics. This environmental pattern should be more closely examined. Adhd is hell, by the way, for the subject

[indranikeiki]

Peter Levine is my hero. The whole point is becoming aware and empowered in our potental gor self healing. It is possible. Its beautiful.

[stacey]

I agree with his perspective, and its relation to self-regulation/emotional regulation. Also of interest is how trauma can be perceived differently according to a child's/ person's level of vulnerability to begin with (thinking age, or risk factors that make them more susceptible to developing ADHD, as opposed to that resilience). This is the reason why some develop ADHD, and others don't. I wish there was more scientific research to back this up.

[PsychedelicDidgeridoo]

Dr. Gabor Maté wrote a book all about ADHD and trauma called 'Scattered Minds'. Best and most insightful book I've ever read about ADHD (I've read many).

[fuzonzord]

I would say the problem is that trauma generally worsens ADHD. But even after it's somewhat addressed it still feels exhausting and unnatural to maintain focus. Also, it's often not just a thing with for losing focus because of feeling threatened but also stuff like exhaustion with one-way communication and also need to form an opinion. For example I'm listening to a podcast and something that is said catches my attention and leads it to some train of thought while the podcast keeps talking. I feel like it's also a question of these unnatural expectations that people will just sit and listen. Yeah, many may be able to do so but with ADHD it's just impossible to maintain attention on listening to someone going on and on and on or doing the same task.
My worst experiences at schools were stuff like lesson blocks of 1, 5h, teachers/lecturers that talk without pause for 20+ minutes, etc.

[The_New_Abnormal_World_Order]

I am nearly 40 with symptoms of ADHD although never diagnosed. As a baby I was in an extremely traumatic environment even though I don't remember it. Childhood was also traumatic although not as extreme on paper. My sister died of breast cancer at 29 years old which I believe was the result of all the stress we experienced compounded with a world that is so harsh and unsupportive. I believe the Dr is exactly right. I'm on a journey of figuring out how to help and heal myself.

[pauljtonehead]

Finally someone on the same page as me. Trauma happened at four and it was like instant ADD! Can I get better if I face the trauma 'better' now? Would be great to focus better without drugs because I've done the meds. Yes, therapy works...it's time for a real neurological exam:)

[gingerrivas]

That is exactly my opinion. ADHD many times is just trauma

[Zendemic]

Pesticides are also trauma - - - it is not strange to assume that ADHD is basically a variety of CPTSD if not making the synthetic and dialectical distinction between so-called 'psychological' trauma vs 'physiological' trauma.

I think my ADHD is a result of Glyphosate exposure (I have been drinking water possibly full of it from my early childhood and eating shit food) in combination with prolonged 'psychological' or rather 'social' trauma.

[HorseOpenSlay]

Love him.I wish I could hear more of his information on this topic

[cynthiaennis]

Makes sense! I was diagnosed w/several types of ADD, lowered brain function in certain areas, over stimulated Beta brain Wave, impulses not getting where they’re supposed to on time= causes choppy typing, shorthand & anything that involves a constant flow using motor skills...except, I think, sign language & dance...maybe because they are slower activities, the impulses are able to travel on time! Most definitely TRAUMA! From in utero to preteen & thanks to a massage therapist...she is releasing the stuck trauma I have had trapped in my body for 48 years! Thank goodness for these wonderful modalities that really work! ♥️

[riverhealing]

ADHD is an executive dysfunction disorder. And it is highly inheritable. Trauma may be a factor but it’s much more complex than that.

[echase]

"Pesticide exposure" could include second hand smoke from tobacco products. e.g nicotine is used as a pesticide.

[christinabradtke]

Great! I find it also very important to look at what Anthony William says about ADHD in children (and adults) for background, basic information.

[aprokcndy]

I'd like to hear his reasoning behind why people with ADHD's symtoms seem to go away (or mine, at least) when they take stimulants then? And how this would relate to trauma?

[abigaildarling]

Great video. I will buy Peter's book 'Trauma Proofing Your Kids' .

[Rsharlan]

Acid reflux and heart disease share some symptoms. It doesn't mean that an acid blocker will prevent a heart attack.