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Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

Comorbidity and confounding factors in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sleep disorders in children

Ya-Wen Jan1, Chien-Ming Yang, Yu-Shu Huang

  • 1Department of Psychology, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei.

Psychology Research and Behavior Management
|November 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently experience sleep problems. This review examines the relationship between ADHD symptoms and sleep disturbances, exploring causes and treatments for better diagnosis and care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Sleep problems are prevalent in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • A complex, reciprocal relationship exists between ADHD and sleep disturbances, necessitating further investigation.
  • Existing research highlights the need to differentiate sleep issues from ADHD symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify specific sleep problems associated with ADHD symptomatology.
  • To clarify confounding factors and overlapping symptoms between ADHD and sleep disturbances.
  • To provide an updated overview of the pathophysiology and treatment strategies for sleep problems in children with ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on ADHD and sleep disturbances in children.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on the types of sleep problems linked to ADHD.
  • Examination of pathophysiological mechanisms and current treatment approaches.

Main Results:

  • Common sleep problems in children with ADHD include difficulties with sleep onset, maintenance, and daytime sleepiness.
  • ADHD symptoms can exacerbate sleep problems, and sleep deprivation can worsen ADHD symptoms.
  • The review identifies key challenges in distinguishing primary sleep disorders from ADHD-related sleep issues.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the specific sleep problems in children with ADHD is crucial for effective management.
  • Further research is needed to address psychiatric comorbidities and medication side effects to improve treatment outcomes.
  • Clarifying these factors will help prevent misdiagnosis and enhance clinical practice for children with ADHD and sleep disturbances.

Keywords:
attention-deficithyperactivity disorder, sleep, children

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