Objectives: The 7/10/2023 Hamas massacre left Israel in collective trauma, disrupting daily life and wellbeing. Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often rely on maladaptive coping under stress. This study examines the psychosocial effects of terrorist threats on individuals with ADHD symptoms, their coping styles, and whether ADHD symptoms predict maladaptive strategies for managing stress in the context of terror.

Method: 131 Israelis completed an online questionnaire assessing ADHD symptoms, psychosocial effects of terrorist threats (PETT), coping styles via the Brief COPE, categorized into three subscales: (1) problem-focused (e.g., active coping, instrumental support, planning), (2) emotion-focused (e.g., emotional support, venting, humor, self-blame, religion), and (3) avoidant (e.g., self-distraction, denial, substance use), and socio-demographic data.

Results: ADHD symptoms were significantly correlated with PETT (r = .424**) and specific coping strategies, including Denial (r = .297**), Substance Use (r = .303**), Behavioral Disengagement (r = .217*), Instrumental Support (r = .297*), Self-Blaming (r = .294*), Emotional Support (r = .208*), Religion (r = .227*), and Acceptance (r = -.279**). However, no significant correlations were found with Self-Distraction, Active Coping, Venting, Positive Reframing, Humor, or Planning.  Regression analysis shows ADHD symptoms significantly predict Avoidant Coping.

Conclusions: ADHD symptoms are significant vulnerability factors, particularly during prolonged terror attacks. Addressing emotional distress within this population is crucial. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives that enhance resilience, promote awareness of effective coping strategies, and provide tailored support for individuals with ADHD symptoms, enabling them to navigate the unique challenges they encounter in such crises.