Toxic Stress

If a child in school has behaviors such as being impulsive, lack of focus, hyperactivity, racing thoughts, emotional overwhelm, reactivity... there is often one reason that comes to mind: ADHD! The child may then be diagnosed and prescribed medication.  While ADHD is a very real executive functioning brain issue that affects 7.2% of children globally, there is a major problem we have yet to fully recognize as a community...  all of the behaviors listed above are also symptoms of toxic stress and trauma.  The overlap between ADHD & Trauma is real and needs to be discussed. Trauma histories should be considered before any diagnosis or medication is given. Medication can certainly "fix" symptoms, but if the behaviors are stemmed in trauma then medication is just a band-aid.  The root issue isnt being addressed and leaving the problem to exist long after the child becomes an adult and the medication is no longer effective.

 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-devastating-underdiagnosed-toll-of-toxic-stress-on-children