title: Circadian rhythm disorders among adolescents: assessment and treatment options.
abstract: Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) - a circadian rhythm sleep disorder - is most commonly seen in adolescents. The differential diagnosis between DSPD and conventional psychophysiological insomnia is important for correct therapeutic intervention. Adolescent DSPD sleep duration is commonly 9 hours or more. Depression may be comorbid with DSPD. DSPD has a negative impact on adolescent academic performance. DSPD treatments include bright light therapy, chronotherapeutic regimens, and administration of melatonin as a chronobiotic (as distinct from a soporific). Attention to non-photic and extrinsic factors including healthy sleep parameters is also important to enable better sleep and mood outcomes in adolescents.
authors.affiliation: Sleep and Circadian Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia. delwyn.bartlett@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Delwyn J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Bartlett
authors.forename: Sarah N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Biggs
authors.forename: Stuart M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Armstrong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001315:Australia; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010789:Phototherapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D055865:Sleep Phase Chronotherapy; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin