Faculty Bibliography

Recent studies suggest a significant association between obesity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The factors underlying this newly described comorbidity are still unclear and unexplored. In the present article, we propose that excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) contributes to explaining the association between ADHD and obesity. The background for this hypothesis comes from studies on the association between ADHD and EDS, as well as from investigations on EDS in obese individuals. Available studies suggest that ADHD behaviours are significantly associated with EDS. Moreover, increasing evidence indicates that obesity is significantly associated with EDS independently of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) or any other sleep disorders. Given the relationship between EDS and ADHD behaviors, we hypothesize that the higher than expected rates of EDS in obese individuals contribute to explaining the association between obesity and ADHD behaviors. We further speculate on the role of the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other molecules such as the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Our hypothesis generates potentially relevant clinical and therapeutic implications. From a clinical standpoint, it may suggest to systematically look for ADHD symptoms (including hyperactivity and impulsivity) in obese patients described as sleepy. With regard to the therapeutic implications, we suggest that wake-promoting agents with anorexigenic effect, such as mazindol, might be particularly indicated for the treatment of ADHD symptoms in obese patients, since they might address both ADHD symptoms and weight reduction. In conclusion, considering the burden that ADHD adds to obesity, we believe that further studies on the comorbidity between obesity and ADHD are necessary. Research on the role of EDS might allow advancements in this field, suggesting a more effective management and, ultimately, a better quality of life of patients with both obesity and ADHD.

Iron deficiency has been suggested as a possible contributing cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. This present study examined the effects of iron supplementation on ADHD in children. Twenty-three nonanemic children (aged 5-8 years) with serum ferritin levels <30 ng/mL who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD were randomized (3:1 ratio) to either oral iron (ferrous sulfate, 80 mg/day, n = 18) or placebo (n = 5) for 12 weeks. There was a progressive significant decrease in the ADHD Rating Scale after 12 weeks on iron (-11.0 +/- 13.9; P < 0.008), but not on placebo (3.0 +/- 5.7; P = 0.308). Improvement on Conners' Parent Rating Scale (P = 0.055) and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (P = 0.076) with iron supplementation therapy failed to reach significance. The mean Clinical Global Impression-Severity significantly decreased at 12 weeks (P < 0.01) with iron, without change in the placebo group. Iron supplementation (80 mg/day) appeared to improve ADHD symptoms in children with low serum ferritin levels suggesting a need for future investigations with larger controlled trials. Iron therapy was well tolerated and effectiveness is comparable to stimulants.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sleep problems associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The etiology of these sleep problems is multifactorial. In this paper, we review the current literature on the treatment of the most common disorders or factors underlying sleep problems associated with ADHD. In particular, we focus on the management of sleep problems associated with ADHD medications, restless legs syndrome, excessive nocturnal motricity in sleep, sleep disordered breathing, sleep-onset insomnia and psychiatric comorbidities associated with ADHD. Given the paucity of randomized, controlled, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies, it is hoped that this review will encourage further methodologically sound studies in order to be able to develop treatment guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence suggests an association between obesity and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or ADHD traits. The characteristics of obese subjects with a higher probability of ADHD symptoms are still unclear. We explore the hypothesis that obese adolescents with sleep/alertness problems represent a subgroup at high risk for ADHD traits, independently from associated symptoms of anxiety/depression. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between parent reports of sleep/alertness problems and ADHD traits in a clinical sample of obese adolescents, controlling for symptoms of anxiety/depression. METHODS: Seventy obese subjects (age range, 10-16 years) were included. The parents filled out the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), the Conners Parents Rating Scale-Revised (Short Version) (CPRS-R:S), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) was completed by a child psychiatrist. RESULTS: Using multiple regression models controlling for symptoms of anxiety/depression, scores of excessive daytime sleepiness on the SDSC were significantly associated with ADHD traits on the CPRS-R:S as well as on the ADHD-RS. CONCLUSIONS: Obese adolescents described as excessively sleepy by their parents may be at higher risk of ADHD symptoms, independently from symptoms of anxiety/depression. Although the clinician may overlook a potential diagnosis of ADHD in obese adolescents described as sleepy, the results of this study suggest to systematically look for symptoms of ADHD in this subgroup of obese patients. Further studies using objective methods to assess sleep/alertness disturbances are needed to gain insight into the relationship between sleep/alertness disturbances and ADHD in obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing evidence suggests a significant comorbidity between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Iron deficiency may underlie common pathophysiological mechanisms in subjects with ADHD plus RLS (ADHD+RLS). To date, the impact of iron deficiency, RLS and familial history of RLS on ADHD severity has been scarcely examined in children. These issues are addressed in the present study. METHODS: Serum ferritin levels, familial history of RLS (diagnosed using National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria) and previous iron supplementation in infancy were assessed in 12 ADHD+RLS children, 10 ADHD children and 10 controls. RLS was diagnosed using NIH-specific pediatric criteria, and ADHD severity was assessed using the Conners' Parent Rating scale. RESULTS: ADHD symptom severity was higher, although not significantly, in children with ADHD+RLS compared to ADHD. The mean serum ferritin levels were significantly lower in children with ADHD than in the control group (p<0.0005). There was a trend for lower ferritin levels in ADHD+RLS subjects versus ADHD. Both a positive family history of RLS and previous iron supplementation in infancy were associated with more severe ADHD scores. CONCLUSIONS: Children with ADHD and a positive family history of RLS appear to represent a subgroup particularly at risk for severe ADHD symptoms. Iron deficiency may contribute to the severity of symptoms. We suggest that clinicians consider assessing children with ADHD for RLS, a family history of RLS, and iron deficiency.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent and pervasive pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Emerging data suggest higher than expected rates of binge eating occur in subjects with ADHD. Several hypotheses may explain this newly described comorbidity: 1) inattention and/or impulsivity foster binge eating, 2) ADHD and binge eating share common neurobiological bases, 3) binge eating contributes to ADHD, or 4) psychopathological factors common to both binge eating and ADHD mediate the association. In patients with ADHD and binge eating, both conditions might benefit from common therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to gain insight into the association between ADHD and binge eating in order to facilitate more appropriate clinical management and, ultimately, a better quality of life for patients with both conditions.

This report presents the case of a 9-year-old child with a familial history of restless legs syndrome who began to complain of restless legs syndrome symptoms after heart surgery. Hypotheses on the potential interactions between genetic and environmental factors in the development of her restless legs syndrome are discussed. Increasing evidence supports reduced brain iron in the pathophysiology of idiopathic restless legs syndrome. It is possible that the child inherited a compromised brain and peripheral iron regulation, which predisposed her to restless legs syndrome. The interaction between her dysfunctional iron management and her intraoperatory blood loss may have led to a significant decrease in brain iron, triggering restless legs syndrome symptoms. Other factors, such as immobilization and sleep deprivation after surgery, may have contributed to trigger the restless legs syndrome symptoms. If confirmed by further evidence, this patient suggests the need to carefully monitor for restless legs syndrome symptoms in young surgical patients who present with a familial history of restless legs syndrome.