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Updated: May 12, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Mimics Attention Deficit Disorder

Lauri Blesch1, Sarah J Breese McCoy2

  • 1Utica Park Clinic, Owasso, OK, USA.

Journal of Attention Disorders
|March 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can mimic symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents. Treating OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) effectively resolved symptoms initially misdiagnosed as ADHD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently associated with attention and hyperactivity issues.
  • These symptoms can be overlooked in children and adolescents, often being misdiagnosed as primary attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Observation:

  • A 17-year-old male presented with inattention, fidgeting, sinusitis, and somnolence.
  • Initial diagnosis was ADHD, with somnolence attributed to recurrent sinusitis.

Findings:

  • A subsequent sleep study revealed undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) resolved all presenting symptoms, indicating the initial ADHD diagnosis was incorrect.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering OSA in the differential diagnosis of pediatric attention and behavioral problems.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of OSA can prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Keywords:
ADHDobstructive sleep apnea

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