Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms add risk to circadian rhythm sleep problems in depression and anxiety

Abstract Background Comorbid ADHD symptoms may partly account for circadian rhythm disturbances in depression and anxiety disorders. Methods Self-reported sleep characteristics of 2090 participants in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety were assessed using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. We defined 3 groups: healthy controls (HC), persons with lifetime depression and/or anxiety disorders (LDA), and those with both LDA and high ADHD symptoms (LDA+ADHD), using the Conner's Adult ADHD Rating Scale. Results Sleep characteristics were least favorable in the LDA+ADHD group. Important group differences between LDA+ADHD, LDA and HC were found for extremely late chronotype (12% vs. 5% vs. 3%; p p p p =.003), indication of DSPS (OR=2.4; p =.002), and sleep duration p =.007). Limitations ADHD conceptually overlaps with symptom presentation of depression and anxiety. We used a cross-sectional study design, and used self reported sleep characteristics. Conclusions High ADHD symptoms were associated with an increased rate of circadian rhythm sleep disturbances in an already at-risk population of people with depression and/or anxiety disorders. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders, as often seen in ADHD are not entirely due to any comorbid depression and/or anxiety disorder. Adequate treatment of such sleep problems is needed and may prevent serious health conditions in the long term.