This is a question we hear a lot — especially with how often people are talking about CPTSD (Complex PTSD) and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) online. It can feel like everyone is identifying with these labels right now (and if you read Pete Walker’s book you’ll see it’s likely for good reason!).
But to answer the question: No, we don’t diagnose everyone with CPTSD or ADHD, but it is definitely part of the symptoms we listen for.
Self-Diagnosis Matters
Many of our clients come to us after years of feeling misunderstood. When they find language like CPTSD or ADHD, something clicks. Suddenly, there’s a name for what they’ve been living through. That act of naming can be a first step toward self-compassion and community.
The Overlap of Symptoms
Struggles like:
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Feeling restless, scattered, or stuck “in your head”
- Emotional flooding, shutdown, or numbing
- Chronic shame and self-criticism
- Relationship cycles of over-giving, pulling away, or clinging
…can show up in both CPTSD and ADHD. Often, people live with elements of both.
As Gabor Maté points out, ADHD isn’t just about brain wiring — it’s about how stress, disconnection, and trauma shape development. What we call “symptoms” are often adaptations: ways the body and mind learned to survive.
Labels Can Help… or Hurt
For many, a label brings relief. It opens doors to resources, treatment, or simply a sense of not being alone.
But for some, labels can feel limiting. They may:
- Box people into a single identity
- Trigger stigma or disbelief from others
- Overshadow the unique story behind the symptoms
That’s why I hold labels lightly. They’re tools, not verdicts.
Our Approach
When someone asks, “Do I have CPTSD or ADHD?” our answer is: Let’s explore. Together we look at patterns, their origins, and what helps in the present.
Healing doesn’t hinge on the “perfect” label. Healing is about supporting your nervous system, building safety, and reconnecting with your Self.
✨ Reflection Prompt:
Instead of asking, “Which diagnosis do I have?” try asking, “What does my nervous system need right now?”