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Related Experiment Videos

Sleep and COMT polymorphism in ADHD children: preliminary actigraphic data.

Reut Gruber1, Natalie Grizenko2, George Schwartz2

  • 1Drs. Gruber, Grizenko, and Joober, Mr. Schwartz, Ms. Gauthier, and Ms. de Guzman are with the Douglas Hospital Research Centre and McGill University, Montreal; and Dr. Amor is with the Laval University and Hôpital Hôtel Dieu de Lévis, Quebec City, Canada..

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|July 26, 2006
PubMed
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Children with ADHD carrying the Val allele of the COMT gene experienced poorer sleep continuity. This suggests a link between genetic variations, sleep problems, and ADHD pathophysiology.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently associated with sleep disturbances.
  • The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, involved in neurotransmitter metabolism, is a candidate for influencing ADHD.
  • Genetic variations in COMT may impact sleep regulation in affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between COMT gene polymorphism and sleep characteristics in children with ADHD.
  • To determine if COMT genotype influences sleep continuity and quality in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 34 children (7.4-12 years) diagnosed with ADHD.
  • Nightly sleep actigraphy was used to objectively measure sleep during weeks of methylphenidate (MPH) and placebo treatment.

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  • Diagnosis was confirmed using standardized interviews and multidisciplinary consensus.

    • Main Results:

    • Children with the Val allele of the COMT gene exhibited significantly poorer sleep continuity compared to those with the Met-Met genotype.
    • This difference in sleep continuity was observed both during placebo treatment and during methylphenidate administration.
    • The findings highlight a genotype-specific effect on sleep in children with ADHD.

    Conclusions:

    • The study supports the hypothesis that COMT gene polymorphism is associated with sleep disturbances in children with ADHD.
    • Sleep problems in ADHD may be linked to the underlying genetic pathophysiology of the disorder.
    • These findings contribute to understanding the biological underpinnings of ADHD-related sleep issues.