Case series: evaluation of a behavioral sleep intervention for three children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyssomnia.
OBJECTIVE
The authors conducted a preliminary evaluation of a behavioral sleep intervention for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyssomnia delivered via distance treatment.


METHODS
Three children (1 male, 2 females; aged 6-10 years) with ADHD and dyssomnia participated in a 5-week manualized intervention. Using a non-concurrent multiple baseline design, the children were randomly assigned to a 1-, 2-, or 3-week baseline and then received the 5-week intervention. Sleep problems were assessed daily by both objective and subjective measures. Measures of problematic nighttime behaviors and daytime ADHD symptoms were also obtained weekly.


RESULTS
After 5 weeks, a clinically significant decrease was found in the severity of the children's dyssomnia. No changes in ADHD symptoms were noted. Gains were generally maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Parents perceived the intervention as being "helpful" to "very helpful."


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the initial data, this intervention shows promise as an effective and feasible treatment.
Mullane
Jennifer
J
Dalhousie University, Department of Psychology, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Corkum
Penny
P
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D020920:Dyssomnias / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014851:Wakefulness