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Attention deficit disorders and sleep/arousal disturbance
1Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA. TEBrownyu@aol.com
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|July 21, 2001
Summary
Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) often cause chronic sleep and alertness issues in individuals of all ages. This review covers the clinical signs of these sleep problems and discusses behavioral and medication treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) are frequently associated with persistent sleep and arousal difficulties.
- These sleep disturbances impact children, adolescents, and adults, affecting falling asleep, waking, and daytime alertness.
- Potential causes include environmental factors, lifestyle, psychiatric comorbidities, and the core pathophysiology of ADD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the clinical presentations of sleep/arousal problems in individuals with ADD.
- To review current behavioral and pharmacological treatment strategies for these sleep disturbances.
Main Methods:
- This chapter synthesizes existing clinical observations and research findings.
- It provides a descriptive overview of sleep/arousal manifestations.
- Treatment options are reviewed based on current evidence.
Main Results:
- Sleep difficulties, including insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness, are common in ADD.
- These issues can stem from various factors, including the neurobiological underpinnings of ADD.
- Both behavioral interventions and medication are viable treatment avenues.
Conclusions:
- Sleep and arousal impairments are significant and often chronic issues for individuals with ADD.
- Understanding the clinical manifestations is key to effective management.
- A combination of behavioral and medication approaches can improve sleep and alertness in this population.