A framework for the assessment and treatment of sleep problems in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2011 Jun;58(3):667-83. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2011.03.004.

Abstract

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have high rates of sleep problems and sleep disorders. It is critical that pediatricians assess for sleep problems during the course of ADHD assessment and when treating children with stimulant medication. Sleep must be considered in the differential diagnosis and in terms of comorbidity with ADHD. The most common sleep problem in children with ADHD is insomnia, and the first line of treatment should be the implementation of behavioral interventions rather than medication. More research is needed to determine if children with ADHD respond to behavioral interventions in a similar manner as typically developing children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / complications
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / therapy
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Morbidity
  • Nova Scotia / epidemiology
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Sleep / physiology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders* / complications
  • Sleep Wake Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders* / therapy