Parents often seek psychiatric evaluation when a child struggles with restlessness, concentration, or emotional regulation. While these difficulties sometimes point to ADHD or anxiety, they can also signal a deeper issue: unresolved trauma. At Alessi Psychiatry and Life Center in Washtenaw County, Michigan, Dr. Norman Alessi and his team specialize in examining the underlying causes of behavior and development, looking beneath the surface to uncover how early trauma influences these aspects.
How Trauma Shows Up in Children
Children exposed to adverse experiences — such as abuse, neglect, loss, or exposure to violence — may present symptoms that overlap with other conditions. Trauma can cause hypervigilance, sleep disruption, irritability, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms often resemble ADHD, where children appear distractible or impulsive, or anxiety, where constant worry or nervous behaviors dominate daily life.
Without a trauma-informed perspective, these patterns may be misinterpreted. A child who startles easily, avoids certain situations, or has trouble sitting still might receive a label that doesn’t capture the root cause of their distress.
The Risk of Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosing trauma as ADHD or anxiety can result in treatment that manages symptoms without addressing the underlying injury. For example, stimulant medications may improve focus temporarily, but they do not resolve the emotional imprints of trauma. Similarly, treating generalized anxiety without exploring the child’s lived experiences risks overlooking critical pathways to healing.
At Alessi Psychiatry, each diagnostic process is comprehensive, involving extended interviews, developmental history, and careful observation. The goal is to differentiate between overlapping conditions and ensure children receive support that aligns with their needs.
Why Trauma-Informed Psychiatry Matters
Dr. Alessi, a Professor Emeritus of the University of Michigan School of Medicine and nationally recognized leader in psychiatry, has dedicated decades to advancing diagnostic clarity. His trauma-informed approach recognizes that behaviors often labeled as “problematic” are adaptive strategies children develop to survive overwhelming experiences.
Interventions may include psychotherapy tailored for children, family involvement, and, when appropriate, carefully managed psychopharmacology. In complex cases, newer treatments such as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may also play a role, particularly in adolescents with refractory depression tied to trauma.
Helping Children Heal
The earlier trauma is identified, the better the long-term outlook for emotional regulation, academic achievement, and healthy identity formation. With the right diagnosis, children and families can move beyond labels toward meaningful recovery and resilience.
If your child is struggling with attention, behavior, or anxiety symptoms, and you suspect trauma may be a factor, help is available. Contact Alessi Psychiatry and Life Center in Washtenaw County, Michigan by calling (734) 222-6222 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with a team experienced in child and adolescent psychiatry.