Web survey of sleep problems associated with early-onset bipolar spectrum disorders.
OBJECTIVE
As research on sleep difficulties associated with Early-Onset Bipolar Spectrum Disorders (EBSD) is limited, a web-based survey was developed to further explore these problems.


METHODS
494 parents of 4-to-12 year-olds, identified by parents as being diagnosed with EBSD, completed a web survey about past and current EBSD-related sleep problems. The survey included Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) items and sleep problems from the International Classification of Sleep Disorders 2nd edition.


RESULTS
Nearly all parents reported some type of past or current EBSD-sleep problem. Most occurred during a worst mood period, particularly with mixed manic-depressive symptoms. Symptoms caused impairments at home, school, or with peers in 96.9% of the sample and across all three contexts in 64.0% of children. Sleep problems were also noted after three-day weekends and Spring and Fall Daylight Savings time changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings, study limitations, and implications for treatment and etiology are discussed.
Lofthouse
Nicholas
N
Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University, Neuroscience Facility, 1670 Upham Drive, Room 560-A, Columbus, OH 43210-1250, USA. Nicholas.Lofthouse@osumc.edu
Fristad
Mary
M
Splaingard
Mark
M
Kelleher
Kelly
K
Hayes
John
J
Resko
Susan
S
D017668:Age of Onset; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D010290:Parents; D015995:Prevalence; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires