Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

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Handouts

Faculty

Michelle Dougher Frank, PsyD Related seminars and products

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Dr. Frank is a clinical psychologist currently practicing at Enrich Relationship Center of Colorado in the Denver-metro area. She specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD, particularly in women. She is co-author, along with Sari Solden, MS, of the book A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers. In addition to individual clinical work, Dr. Frank Provides Gottman Method Couples’ Therapy to couples impacted by ADHD. With a passion for advocacy, outreach, and education, Dr. Frank regularly contributes to national ADHD conferences and support programs. Dr. Frank is former vice president of ADDA – an international nonprofit organization supporting adults with ADHD. She is a member of APSARD – The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders. She graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Marquette University.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Michelle Dougher Frank has an employment relationship with Enrich Relationship Center of Colorado and is a professional expert contributor with Understood.org. She receives royalties as a published author. Michelle Dougher Frank receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Michelle Dougher Frank is a member of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, the Children and Adults with ADHD, and the American Professional Society of ADHD & Related Disorders.

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Objectives

1. Identify two key similarities and two key differences between ADHD and trauma-related disorders, enhancing diagnostic clarity. 
2. Identify ways in which trauma can impact neurodevelopment, potentially leading to or mimicking ADHD symptoms, aiding in more accurate diagnosis and treatment. 
3. Apply best practices for setting treatment goals for individuals with co-occurring ADHD and trauma, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to care. 

Outline

Neuroaffirming & Trauma-Informed Care 

• Meaning of neuroaffirming care 
• How to become more neuroaffirming and trauma-informed 
• Hard Questions in Trauma & ADHD 
• Diagnosing for distress, impairment, and cultural context 

ADHD: Current Understandings 

• Research updates including limitations 
• Common presentations and risk factors 
• Etiology and correlation with other conditions 
• Untreated ADHD impacting treatment outcomes-including trauma 
• ADHD, ACEs, & Attachment 

Bidirectionality of ADHD & Trauma 

• Trauma as a risk factor for ADHD 
• ADHD as a risk factor for PTSD 
• Co-occurrence of ADHD + PTSD: presentations, symptom overlaps, combined impact 

Emotional Legacy of ADHD & Trauma 

• Shame, stigma, grief, rejection sensitivity, anxiety, overwhelm 

Relational Wounds & ADHD 

• Impact on family, peers, romantic relationships 

ADHD & Trauma-Informed Assessment 

• Asking the right questions 
• Providing therapeutic feedback when both ADHD and trauma are present 

ADHD-Friendly Intervention Approaches 

• Addressing clinician biases 
• Prioritizing interventions for emotional and relational challenges 
• When to refer out for specialized care (e.g., EF coaching, trauma-focused therapy) 

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Social Workers
• Physicians 
• Psychologists
• Addiction Counselors