ADHD subtypes and comorbid anxiety, depression, and oppositional-defiant disorder: differences in sleep problems
Susan Dickerson Mayes1, Susan L Calhoun, Edward O Bixler
1Department of Psychiatry, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, PO Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. smayes@psu.edu
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit varied sleep problems. ADHD combined type (ADHD-C) shows more issues than ADHD inattentive type (ADHD-I), with anxiety/depression worsening sleep. Medication also impacts sleep onset.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in children with ADHD.
- The influence of ADHD subtypes and comorbidities on sleep patterns requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep problems in children diagnosed with ADHD.
- To compare sleep issues across different ADHD subtypes (combined and inattentive).
- To examine the impact of comorbid conditions (ODD, anxiety, depression) and medication on sleep.
Main Methods:
- Parent-completed scales assessed sleep patterns.
- Study included 135 control children and 681 children with ADHD.
- Children with ADHD were categorized by subtype (ADHD-C, ADHD-I) and presence of comorbidities (ODD, anxiety, depression).
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD-I alone did not differ from controls in sleep problems.
- Children with ADHD-C reported significantly more sleep problems than controls and ADHD-I.
- Comorbid anxiety/depression exacerbated sleep problems; ODD did not. Daytime sleepiness was higher in ADHD-I.
- Medicated children experienced more difficulty falling asleep compared to unmedicated children.
Conclusions:
- Sleep problems in children with ADHD are influenced by ADHD subtype.
- Comorbidity, particularly anxiety and depression, significantly impacts sleep quality.
- Medication status is also a factor in sleep difficulties among children with ADHD.
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