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S21.02 - Adult ADHD and the Circadian rhythm

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

J.J.S. Kooij ,
M.M. Van Veen  and
A.M. Boonstra
J.J.S. Kooij
Affiliation:
PsyQ, Psycho-Medical Programs, Program Adult ADHD, Den Haag, The Netherlands
M.M. Van Veen
Affiliation:
PsyQ, Psycho-Medical Programs, Program Adult ADHD, Den Haag, The Netherlands
A.M. Boonstra
Affiliation:
PsyQ, Psycho-Medical Programs, Program Adult ADHD, Den Haag, The Netherlands

Abstract

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Background:

Children with ADHD may have chronic sleeping problems, associated with circadian rhythm disturbances. Little is known about sleep in adults with ADHD.

Methods:

We studied the prevalence and type of sleeping problems in 120 adults with ADHD using an interview questionnaire.

Results:

78% of the 120 adults with ADHD had difficulty to go to bed in time (between 1 and 3 am). Almost 70% reported sleep onset problems, more than 50% had difficulty sleeping through. Almost 70% had difficulty getting up in the morning and 62% felt sleepy during the day. In more than 60% these sleeping problems had been there all their lives. These results are very similar to earlier data presented by Dodson (Dodson, 1999). Several explanations for these sleeping problems may be considered (Kooij ea, 2001; Oosterloo ea, 2006; Boonstra ea, 2007). However, the frequently occurring sleeping pattern of being a ‘nightowl’, with restless sleep and difficulty getting up in the morning, may be associated with the delayed sleep phase syndrome, as was recently shown in children with ADHD and sleep onset problems (van der Heijden ea, 2006; van der Heijden ea, 2005; Weiss ea, 2006). We currently study the circadian rhytm in adults by measuring the Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO) in saliva in ADHD patients with sleep onset problems (ADHD+SO), compared to ADHD patients without sleep onset problems (ADHD-SO).

Conclusions:

About 70% of adults with ADHD have sleep onset problems compatible with a delayed sleep phase pattern. First data of DLMO in adult ADHD patients with and without sleep onset problems will be discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 23 , Issue S2: 16th AEP Congress - Abstract book - 16th AEP Congress , April 2008 , pp. S26
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2008

References

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