Dual vulnerability: Trauma type and burden impact behavioral and psychosocial functioning in children with ADHD
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Background: Trauma-related symptoms can overlap with core symptoms of ADHD. However, there is limited evidence of exploration of how trauma exposure, particularly trauma burden and trauma type, relates to ADHD and whether these associations differ in their impact on psychosocial functioning compared to neurotypical (NT) children. Objective: To examine the associations between trauma exposure, trauma burden and trauma type and ADHD status and to assess whether these factors are differentially associated with behavioral, psychological and social functioning in children with ADHD compared to NT peers. Method: Participants (N = 242) comprised of an ADHD (n = 141, 58.26%) and a NT group and were a subset of children whose parents completed the adverse childhood experience questionnaire. Behavioral and psychosocial functions were examined using the child behavior checklist. Results: Children with ADHD were more likely to be exposed to trauma and to report higher trauma burden. Exposure to a single traumatic event resulted in a higher trauma burden and higher internalizing and externalizing problems in children with ADHD compared to NT children. They also had higher exposure to events related to household dysfunction, compared to NT children, after adjusting for socio-demographic factors. For trauma type, household dysfunction associated with higher internalizing problems and abuse-related trauma associated with higher internalizing and social difficulties in those with ADHD when compared to NT children with similar trauma exposures. Conclusions: Trauma burden and type can have differential effects on behavioral and psychosocial problems in children with ADHD.
Keywords
abuse, adverse childhood experiences, externalizing problems, household dysfunction, internalizing problems
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
8-1-2026
Article Number
108138
ISSN
01452134
Volume
178
PubMed ID
42224983
Publication Title
Child Abuse & Neglect
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Funding Information
This work was supported by Perth Children Hospital Foundation under Grant 10157. This study was also supported by Embrace at The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Copyright
subscription content
Content Type
Metadata only
Recommended Citation
Bhoyroo, R., Chivers, P., Morandini, H., Milroy, H., Barbaro, P., Boutrus, M., Woolard, A., & Rao, P. (2026). Dual vulnerability: Trauma type and burden impact behavioral and psychosocial functioning in children with ADHD. Child Abuse & Neglect, 178, Article 108138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108138