“I don’t know if I was born like this, or if something happened along the way…”
Sophie sat in my office, her eyes filled with uncertainty. She had just started therapy, frustrated by her constant struggle with focus, organization, and impulsivity. For years, Sophie had lived with the belief that her ADHD was a result of her chaotic childhood—moving from home to home, a volatile relationship with her parents, and the stress of constantly being in survival mode.
Her question—was ADHD something I was born with or did it develop because of everything I went through?—is a common one. It’s a question that many individuals and families living with ADHD ask themselves.
Let’s dive into this topic to shed some light.
ADHD is often described as a condition that’s neurodevelopmental, which means it affects the brain’s development. But does that mean it's something you’re born with? Or could it be triggered or worsened by life experiences?
The truth is, ADHD has both genetic and environmental components. Here’s how each one plays a role:
Research has shown that ADHD is highly genetic—meaning if one of your parents has ADHD, there’s a higher chance you’ll have it too. Certain genes involved in the regulation of dopamine—a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in focus, impulse control, and motivation—are often found in individuals with ADHD.
So, if ADHD runs in your family, there’s a good chance that you were born with it. This doesn’t mean your environment doesn’t matter—because it certainly does—but genetics are a big part of the equation.
While genetics plays a major role, environmental factors can also influence the severity or presentation of ADHD. High levels of stress, trauma, or unstable home environments can certainly exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
For example, a child raised in an unstable environment may show signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity, which could be mistaken for ADHD. Similarly, individuals who experience long-term emotional or psychological stress might develop symptoms similar to ADHD. However, this does not mean the individual "developed" ADHD in the traditional sense; it’s more about how the environment can amplify existing symptoms.
Trauma—whether it’s from abuse, neglect, or even witnessing a traumatic event—can have profound effects on brain development. For some people, these experiences may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity, distractibility, and emotional dysregulation. That said, trauma doesn’t cause ADHD, but it can often complicate or worsen it.
The answer isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, people are born with ADHD, but life experiences—like stress, trauma, or challenges at school or work—can exacerbate or even trigger certain symptoms. In other words, ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and its development can be influenced by multiple factors over time.
For individuals like Sophie, who wondered if her ADHD was caused by her tumultuous childhood, the truth is this: her ADHD likely had a genetic basis, but her difficult upbringing made her symptoms more noticeable and challenging to manage. This is why some people feel like ADHD wasn’t part of them until later in life, even though the seeds were planted early on.
Whether ADHD is something you were born with or something influenced by life’s challenges, the important thing is that you’re not stuck with it. There are strategies, tools, and therapies—like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and medication—that can help you manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.
At Nirvana Counseling, we work with individuals and couples who are navigating ADHD to provide personalized care that focuses on strengths, skills development, and emotional regulation. We help you understand your brain, learn coping mechanisms, and develop strategies for staying organized, focused, and balanced.
If you’re struggling with ADHD—whether you were born with it or feel like life’s events have made it worse—you’re not alone. It’s possible to learn how to manage symptoms, build resilience, and create a life that feels fulfilling. ADHD doesn’t define you, and it certainly doesn’t have to control your future.
At Nirvana Counseling, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Understanding your ADHD and its roots is the first step toward finding peace and success in your personal and professional life.
Ready to learn how to manage ADHD in a way that works for you?
Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and let's start this journey of understanding, healing, and growth.