Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults and Obstructive Sleep Apnea*

摘要

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is ancommon childhood illness with a prevalence be-ntween 3% and 16%. It is characterized by hyperac-ntivity, impulsiveness, impairment in academic, social,nand occupational functioning, short attention span,nand onset of symptoms before age 7 years. In some patients, this illness can persist into adulthood. Ob-nstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disordernaffecting 3% of the population and is characterizednby hypersomnolence, snoring, disturbed sleep, andncognitive dysfunction. Some studies have suggestednan association between OSA and ADHD in children.nBecause of the overlap of symptoms, patients withnOSA may be considered to have ADHD. Significantnimprovement in symptoms has been reported withnthe use of continuous positive airway pressure innpatients with OSA. We present reports of threenadults who were being treated for ADHD and werenfound to have OSA.