Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and sleep disorders

THESES

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and sleep disorders (Abstract)^*. Dissertation. Campinas, 2006.

Sérgio Nolasco Hora das Neves^**

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders to characterize clinical features and associated problems.

METHOD: In the first paper we review the researches literature about sleep disorders in children with ADHD with and without psychostimulant treatment. In the second paper we performed a record review of 50 consecutive children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years with ADHD who do not have mental retardation or pervasive developmental disorders.

RESULTS: Infants with sleep disorders were associated with development of ADHD in later childhood. Significant relationships were found between sleep disorders and pharmacotherapy (p<0.01); comorbidity (p<0.01); and greater adherence to treatment prescribed for symptoms of ADHD (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders evaluation should be considered before starting drug treatment for ADHD because diagnostic criteria for ADHD based on DSM-IV or ICD-10 do not differentiate between children with and without sleep disorders. Assessment for sleep disorders may provide a new treatment opportunity for some ADHD children. Future research is needed to clarify the relationship between sleep disorders and ADHD; as well as the effects of stimulants on sleep in ADHD childr

Key words: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, sleep disorders, sleep, child, adolescent.

*

Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade: características clínicas e alterações do sono (Resumo). Dissertação de Mestrado, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Área: Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente). Orientador: Rubens Reimão.

**

Address: Rua Major Sólon 738 / 17, 13024-091 Campinas SP, Brasil.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  02 Aug 2006
• Date of issue
  June 2006