The Role of the Circadian System in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Upasana Bondopadhyay; Unai Diaz-Orueta; Andrew N Coogan

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-81147-1_7

The Role of the Circadian System in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021:1344:113-127. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-81147-1_7.

Authors

Upasana Bondopadhyay¹, Unai Diaz-Orueta¹, Andrew N Coogan²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.
² Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. andrew.coogan@mu.ie.

PMID: 34773229
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-81147-1_7

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterised by the core symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similar to many other neuropsychiatric conditions, ADHD is associated with very high levels of sleep disturbance. However, it is not clear whether such sleep disturbances are precursors to, or symptoms of, ADHD. Neither is it clear through which mechanisms sleep and ADHD are linked. One possible link is via modulation of circadian rhythms. In this chapter we overview the evidence that ADHD is associated with alterations in circadian processes, manifesting as later chronotype and delayed sleep phase in ADHD, and examine some mechanisms that may lead to such changes. We also interrogate how the circadian clock may be a substrate for therapeutic intervention in ADHD (chronotherapy) and highlight important new questions to be addressed to move the field forward.

Keywords: ADHD; Attention; Circadian; Impulsivity; Sleep.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity*
Chronotherapy
Circadian Clocks*
Circadian Rhythm
Humans
Sleep