Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Sleep Disorders in Children

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Clinical features and epidemiology of ADHD

ADHD is a common childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorder, with reported prevalence rates of between 5% and 12% in school-aged children.1, 2, 3 According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) (DSM-IV), Text Revision,4 ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that begin before the age of 7 years and causes impairment to age-appropriate academic performance, intellectual functioning,

General Considerations

In recent years, there has been growing interest in sleep problems associated with ADHD. Sleep problems are reported in an estimated 25% to 50% of children and adolescents with ADHD.10 Some sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), are associated with inattention11 and hyperactivity,11, 12 which are often mistaken for the symptoms seen in ADHD.11, 12 Symptoms of ADHD and sleep disorders overlap, and ADHD and sleep problems cause

Summary

ADHD-related symptoms and the diagnosis of ADHD are frequently associated with sleep problems/disorders, such as PLMS, RLS, SDB, and insomnia, but not with parasomnia. To avoid inappropriate diagnosis and inadequate management, mental health professionals should assess sleep problems and disorders in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD-related symptoms and in those with a diagnosis of ADHD, regardless of DSM-IV subtypes and severity of current ADHD symptoms.109 Screening for other

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