The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a study in Chilean schoolchildren

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) affects 1-2% of all children and may cause significant morbidity such as behavioural and learning problems. 

Objective: To assess the relationship between OSAS and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children from an area of Santiago, Chile. 

Method: Questionaires were sent to 50 children with ADHD and 100 children of the same age, gender and attending the same schools, who acted as controls. Information included height, weight, academic performance and 12 questions in order to diagnose OSAS, previously validated in an overseas study. 

Results: A 84.6% response was obtained, with no significant differences between groups for age, weight, height. However differences were found with respect to gender and academic performance (p < 0.01). The average score in children with ADHD was 9 ± 1.26 and in the controls 6 ± 0.66 (p < 0.05). We found that the answers to the questionaire could differentiate between children with OSAS and normal children. 

Conclusions: OSAS was more frequently found in ADHD and may suggest an aetiological factor. We suggest that sleep related symptoms should be actively sought in children with ADHD.