Special Forces personnel across all military branches are subjected to unique operational demands and high-stress environments, increasing their susceptibility to mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Emerging evidence indicates a significant overlap between PTSD and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with many cases of ADHD remaining undiagnosed within this population. Undiagnosed adult ADHD is associated with a markedly eleva

Veterans of the Storm: Why Every Diagnosis Needs a Different Response When a veteran is misdiagnosed — or when the real condition is missed — the treatment fails, the emotional damage grows deeper, and the risk of suicide increases. Below is a breakdown of how each mental health condition screened by Veterans of the Storm requires a different type of support, and what happens when it is misunderstood or treated incorrectly.

Key Statistics:- Adults with ADHD are five times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those without ADHD.- Approximately 25% of women with ADHD have attempted suicide.- More than 50% of adolescents with ADHD report suicidal ideation.- Among adults with ADHD, over 33% report suicidal thoughts, and 16% have attempted suicide. Contributing Factors:- Impulsivity and emotional dysregulation inherent in ADHD can lead to spontaneous suicide attempts.-

Even less discussed is the overlap between ADHD and Operator Syndrome (OS)—a multifaceted clinical profile seen in special operations veterans that includes cognitive decline, hormonal dysfunction, sleep disruption, and emotional instability. These symptoms are often misattributed solely to PTSD or combat trauma, leading to incomplete treatment and devastating outcomes. As both a Navy veteran and an ADHD RSD researcher, I’m here to connect the dots others have missed. This is