[Methylphenidate and sleep: Results of a multicentre study on a population of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]

Abstract

Introduction: The attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuro-behavioural disorder in children and adolescents. Methylphenidate (MPH) is the drug most often used in the treatment of this disorder. It is important to know the effects methylphenidate can have on sleep due to the repercussions that insufficient sleep can have on the behaviour and cognitive function of children and adolescents.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to find out the repercussions that methylphenidate can have on sleep, using a questionnaire.

Methodology: This is a multicentre study in which six hospitals in the Valencian Community took part. All those patients who were diagnosed with ADHD over a period of 6 months were given a questionnaire, before starting treatment, and after three months of this treatment. The questionnaire was a version of the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire. The differences found were analysed.

Results: A total of 114 children were studied. Significant differences were found in the questions associated with enuresis, somnambulism and night-wakings, these sleep disorders decreasing after starting the treatment. The rest of variables did not show any changes.

Conclusions: According to our results we can say that the MPH not only does not make worse the sleep, but that it improves the quality of the sleep in those patients with sleep disorders.