Is it ADHD or Trauma

FAAS-TDA (Trauma Differentiation Addendum)

This form is intended as a companion to the FAAS-40. 

It is not diagnostic. Higher scores suggest trauma-related experiences may be contributing to difficulties. Clinical evaluation is recommended for interpretation.

Instructions

Please answer how often the following experiences apply to you, using the 5-point scale below:

Never (0) Rarely (1) Sometimes (2) Often (3) Very Often (4)

Items

1. I experience distressing memories of past events that intrude into my thoughts.

2. I have upsetting dreams or nightmares linked to past experiences.

3. I avoid people, places, or activities that remind me of something painful in my past.

4. I feel on edge or watchful, as if something bad might happen.

5. I startle easily at noises or sudden movements.

6. I sometimes feel disconnected from myself or my surroundings, as if I am not fully present.

7. My body reacts strongly (tension, pain, stomach upset) when I am reminded of stressful or traumatic

experiences.

8. I find myself “shutting down” or becoming numb when faced with reminders of past events.

9. I have difficulty feeling safe or trusting others because of things I have been through.

10. I lose time or struggle to recall parts of my past due to overwhelming experiences.

Scoring Guidance

0–10: Few or no trauma-related indicators.

11–20: Some trauma-related experiences; may overlap with ADHD symptoms.

21–30: Moderate trauma profile; consider further exploration of trauma history.

31–40: Strong trauma indicators; professional assessment recommended.

41–50: Very high trauma indicators; urgent clinical review may be appropriate.

© Best of You Consultancy, Caralyn Bains, AFBPsS, 2025

FAAS-40 & FAAS-TDA Combined Participant Feedback

Report

Best of You Consultancy

Caralyn Bains, AFBPsS

This report provides a summary of your responses on both the FAAS-40 (Female Adult ADHD Scale) and the FAAS-TDA (Trauma Differentiation Addendum).

These are screening tools only and not diagnostic assessments.

Scores indicate patterns of experiences that may be explored further with a qualified professional.

FAAS-40 (ADHD Traits) Results

Subscale Scores:

Executive Function & Working Memory (Q1–8): ____ / 32

Emotional Dysregulation (Q9–16): ____ / 32

Disorganisation & Daily Life (Q17–24): ____ / 32

Impulsivity & Hyperfocus (Q25–32): ____ / 32

Social Masking & Coping Strategies (Q33–40): ____ / 32

Total FAAS-40 Score: ______ / 160

FAAS-TDA (Trauma Differentiation Addendum) Results

Total FAAS-TDA Score: ______ / 50

Score Range Interpretation

0–10 Few or no trauma-related indicators.

11–20 Some trauma-related experiences; may overlap with ADHD symptoms.

21–30 Moderate trauma profile; consider further exploration of trauma history.

31–40 Strong trauma indicators; professional assessment recommended.

41–50 Very high trauma indicators; urgent clinical review may be appropriate.

Guidance

Your FAAS-40 scores highlight ADHD-related traits across five subscales. Your FAAS-TDA score indicates

whether trauma-related experiences may also be influencing these difficulties.

If your FAAS-40 scores are high but FAAS-TDA scores are low, ADHD may be the primary factor. If both are high,

trauma and ADHD may be interacting and contributing together. If FAAS-TDA is high but FAAS-40 is low, trauma

may be the more likely explanation.

These tools are intended to guide reflection and discussion. They are not diagnostic. For a full assessment,

please consult a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or trauma-informed therapist.

© Best of You Consultancy, Caralyn Bains, AFBPsS, 2025