Effect of methylphenidate on sleep status of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disorders are one of the most important problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methylphenidate has different effects on the sleep parameters of affected children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sleep status of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before and after methylphenidate use. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 34 children (5 to 12 years) diagnosed with ADHD who referred to Ibne-Sina hospital in Mashhad city (Iran). The children were treated with methylphenidate for four weeks. Parents completed sleep status of children before and after the treatment by Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). The mean score of children;#39s sleep status in 8 subscales was compared. Results: The results showed that most of the children were boys (60%) and their mean age was 8.35±2.83 years. The mean score of sleep status of children before the treatment was 54.47±7.22 and after the treatment with methylphenidate was 50.38±6.19 which was significant (P