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Can head injuries mimic ADHD and should I bring that up? 

PostedOctober 16, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, head injuries can sometimes cause symptoms that look similar to ADHD, which makes it important to mention any past injuries during an assessment. When exploring ADHD vs head injury, your doctor will need to consider how symptoms started and whether they are linked to a known event like a concussion or trauma. 

Both ADHD and traumatic brain injuries can lead to difficulties with focus, memory, planning, and emotional regulation. This TBI ADHD overlap can be confusing, especially if the head injury happened years ago. Mentioning it helps your doctor explore potential neurological causes ADHD might be mistaken for, or rule out conditions that might need a different approach. 

Even if you are unsure how serious the injury was, bring it up. It allows your clinician to understand the full picture and decide if further neurological input is needed alongside ADHD screening. 

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How It Helps 

Clarifies symptom origin 

Discussing ADHD vs head injury helps your doctor explore whether attention issues are lifelong or connected to a past event. 

Highlights overlapping traits 

Recognising the TBI ADHD overlap makes it easier to distinguish which condition might be present, or if both are playing a role. 

Supports accurate diagnosis 

Exploring neurological causes ADHD symptoms resemble ensures the right care plan and avoids missed or misdiagnosed conditions. 

Being thorough helps you get the support you need. If a head injury is part of your history, it absolutely belongs in the conversation. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

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Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.