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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
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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

Published on: March 12, 2020

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Use of sleep medication in children with ADHD

Daryl Efron1, Kate Lycett2, Emma Sciberras3

  • 1Community Child Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, Australia.

Sleep Medicine
|April 2, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Sleep medication use is common in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), affecting 22% of participants. Use was linked to combined-type ADHD and ADHD medication, highlighting a need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep problems are prevalent in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Limited data exists on sleep medication usage patterns within this pediatric population.
  • Understanding associated factors is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize sleep medication use in school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • To identify child and family characteristics associated with sleep medication prescription.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study utilizing parent-completed sleep and medication logs over seven nights.
  • Assessed variables included demographics, sleep problem severity, ADHD characteristics, ADHD medication use, comorbidities, and parental mental health.
  • Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, ADHD Rating Scale IV, Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were employed.

Main Results:

  • Out of 257 children with ADHD, 22% reported using sleep medication (14% melatonin, 9% clonidine).
  • Sleep medication use correlated with combined-type ADHD and concurrent ADHD medication use.
  • Co-occurring internalizing and externalizing comorbidities were also associated with sleep medication use.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep medication is frequently used by children with ADHD.
  • Associations found with combined-type ADHD and ADHD medication suggest specific treatment considerations.
  • Further investigation into the functional benefits and long-term safety of these medications is warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderChildMedication therapy managementMelatoninSleepSleep initiation and maintenance disorders

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