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Free myADHD.com tools in this month's newsletter (see below):
• 7001 Overcoming Roadblocks to Family Communication
• 7002 Steps to Problem Solving in Family Meetings
• 7003 Problem-Solving Worksheet

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Research Updates
Sleep disturbances have been reported in children with ADHD when measured by both objective means and subjective reports by parents. Some researchers have speculated that difficulties with falling asleep, awakening, or daytime alertness could stem from the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder. It has been proposed that children with ADHD are sleepier during the day than normal children due to a general deficit in alertness, which consequently produces secondary nighttime sleep problems.

Some investigators say that sleep disturbances in children with ADHD are the result of treatment with stimulant medication. Dr. Russell Barkley reported that difficulty falling asleep is the main sleep complaint reported by parents and this is particularly prevalent in children taking methylphenidate.

A recent study by Schwartz, et al., reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2004), investigated the relationship of activity levels during sleep and therapeutic responses to methylphenidate in ADHD and control children. Nightly sleep actigraphic recordings were obtained on 44 children 6 to 12 years of age diagnosed with ADHD. Methylphenidate given twice daily induced a slight but significant sleep disturbance. Those who responded well to methylphenidate did not show any significant differences in sleep activity from those who were not good methylphenidate responders.

Study examines the risk of substance use disorders (SUD) in teens with bipolar disorder (BPD). Recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, was a study by Timothy Wilens and colleagues from Massachusetts General Hospital's Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit. They investigated the risk of substance use disorders in juvenile onset BPD. They looked at adolescents with and without BPD to evaluate the risk of SUD using structured psychiatric interviews and multiple measures of SUD. Their results indicate that BPD was associated with a highly significant risk factor for SUD (32% vs. 7%). This elevated risk was not accounted for by conduct disorder. Adolescent onset BPD was associated with a higher risk of SUD compared with those with childhood onset BPD. These findings are strongly indicative that BPD is a significant risk factor for SUD independent of conduct disorder.

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For additional articles and resources on ADHD visit these sites:

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Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
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Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
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myADHD.com news is an e-publication of Health Link Systems, Inc. This publication is sponsored by myADHD.com, A.D.D. WareHouse, and the National Association for Continuing Education. Information presented here is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Placement of an advertisement in this e-newsletter does not represent an endorsement of any advertised products or services or the validity of any claims advertised. Copyright 2004 by Health Link Systems, Inc. For comments or information, please send an email to: info@myadhd.com, subject line: myADHD.com News.