Behavioural sleep problems in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): protocol for a prospective cohort study

Abstract

IntroductionChildren with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly experience behavioural sleep problems, yet these difficulties are not routinely assessed and managed in this group. Presenting with similar symptoms to ADHD itself, sleep problems are complex in children with ADHD and their aetiology is likely to be multifactorial. Common internalising and externalising comorbidities have been associated with sleep problems in children with ADHD; however, this relationship is yet to be fully elucidated. Furthermore, limited longitudinal data exist on sleep problems in children with ADHD, thus their persistence and impact remain unknown. In a diverse sample of children with ADHD, this study aims to: (1) quantify the relationship between sleep problems and internalising and externalising comorbidities; (2) examine sleep problem trajectories and risk factors; and (3) examine the longitudinal associations between sleep problems and child and family functioning over a 12-month period.Methods and analysisA prospective cohort study of 400 children with ADHD (150 with no/mild sleep problems, 250 with moderate/severe sleep problems) recruited from paediatric practices across Victoria, Australia. The children's parents and teacher provide data at baseline and 6-month and 12-month post enrolment.Key measuresParent report of child's sleep problem severity (no, mild, moderate, severe); specific sleep domain scores assessed using the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire; internalising and externalising comorbidities assessed by the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for Children IV/Parent version.AnalysesMultiple variable logistic and linear regression models examining the associations between key measures, adjusted for confounders identified a priori.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been granted. Findings will contribute to our understanding of behavioural sleep problems in children with ADHD. Clinically, they could improve the assessment and management of sleep problems in this group. We will seek to publish in leading paediatric journals, present at conferences and inform Australian paediatricians through the Australian Paediatric Research Network.

The Relationship Between Maternal Stress and Boys' ADHD Symptoms and Quality of Life: An Australian Prospective Cohort Study

“…Children were recruited from two related studies on ADHD: (1) Attention to Sleep, which is a cohort study of children with either no or mild sleep problems (Lycett, Sciberras, Mensah, Gulenc, & Hiscock, 2014), and (2) Sleeping Sound with ADHD, a behavioural sleep intervention (Sciberras et al, 2010). Children were recruited from private pediatric practices and outpatient services in metropolitan (n = 37) and regional/rural areas (n = 13) in Victoria, Australia.…”

Longitudinal Associations Between Internalizing and Externalizing Comorbidities and Functional Outcomes for Children with ADHD

“…We recruited children from two harmonized ADHD studies focused on sleep: 1Attention to Sleepa cohort study of children with no/mild sleep problems [31], and 2Sleeping Sound with ADHDrandomized controlled trial (RCT) of a behavioral sleep intervention [32]. Children were recruited from outpatient and private pediatric practices (N=21) across the state of Victoria, including metropolitan (n=37) and regional/rural areas (n=13).…”

Anxiety in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…25 This study uses baseline data from these two studies. Ethics approval was obtained by the Royal Children' s Hospital (31193; 30033) and the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2011_001307; 2010_000573).…”