First things first...I am not a therapist or a psychiatrist or doctor of any type. I cannot give you medical advice, but I do have C-PTSD from childhood trauma and I can share with you my experience.
Before I started therapy, my mind was troubled, full of questions and thoughts, that would spin round and round inside my head so that it was difficult to think straight. Attempting to process trauma with no positive coping tools, is very trying, especially to the mind.
I believe there is a lowering of concentration with PTSD, but I don't know that for sure, so it would best to ask a doctor about it!!! There are, I think, Cognitive difficulties associated with C-ptsd, but I would recommend you read up on it and again ask a doctor or trained therapist.
I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) and that can cause "brain fog"; (word-finding difficulties, concentration problems and short term memory loss) etc. and Fibromyalgia, which can also cause brain fog....i.e.; (difficulty with thinking, concentration and focus).
After I started therapy, these symptoms increased. There was so much to process and so much on my mind, that I became more forgetful, less able to focus my attention, and I also had trouble reading and retaining information. Simple tasks became difficult and learning seemed harder too.
I wanted to see if I had ADHD or learning problems and so I had myself tested. I was a bit slower than I used to be, but my intelligence remained average, (or above), and no learning problems were discovered. *(I did find that it was easier for me to read, if paragraphs were limited to 2 or 3 sentences at a time).
The results told the doctor that although I have all the ADHD symptoms, I did not have true ADHD...because it was caused by other medical problems.
I still have concentration problems, difficulty focusing, retaining new information, word finding difficulty, etc most likely due to a combination of PTSD, CFS, and Fibromyalgia, unrefreshing sleep, and advancing age, but it is not as intense as it was, when I was early in recovery! ..I cope with it, when it arises, by remaining aware that it is not my fault that I have these difficulties!!!!
I think in the early months and years of a recovery journey, it may be common to run into cognitive difficulties but if you want to know for sure if you have learning problems or ADHD, I suggest that you get tested for these things so you aren't left guessing or depending on others, (like myself for instance) :confused:;):D
I wish you luck and hope that something I have said is helpful to you!!!
