PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Objective. So far, little is known about potential links between subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disturbances in childhood. Therefore, this study examined the association between sleep disorders and all three subtypes of ADHD.Methods. A total of 60 children showing attention deficit symptoms (aged 6–13 years; 88.3% boys) were diagnosed with regard to ADHD according to the DSM-IV-TR. The subtypes of ADHD diagnosed were then related to potential sleep disturbances as measured using a standardized parent-rated questionnaire (Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, CSHQ-DE).Results. Clinically significant elevated scores in the CSHQ-DE’s Sleep Disturbance Scale were exhibited in all 60 children. Parents of the children with primarily hyperactive–impulsive subtype reported the highest scores. Children with this subtype displayed the highest rate of specific sleep disorders, e.g., increased daytime sleepiness and higher bedtime resistance.Conclusion. The assumption that children with ADHD show elevated scores of sleep disturbances was verified. In addition, it was possible to identify a unique pattern of sleep disturbances corresponding to the respective ADHD subtypes.