My 14 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD (primarily inattentive), anxiety and insomnia 5 years ago. He has been successfully treated with medication and therapy since that time. This included sleep medication which he has taken every night since then.
However, recently his doctor was concerned that the sleep disorder was not getting any better even as the anxiety symptoms were getting better. We were referred to the Stanford Sleep Clinic where a very experienced doctor ordered an overnight sleep test to confirm a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. I am wondering if anyone else has had the experience of sleep apnea being an underlying cause for many of the ADHD bevaviors which is being termed "phantom ADHD." How was the sleep apnea treated? Once the sleep apnea was treated did the ADHD subside? If possible, can you describe how much better the ADHD symptoms got after the sleep apnea was treated?
I am very shocked to be in this situation since everyone seemed to be so sure that Niko's diagnosis was accurate and the medication seemed to work for the ADHD. Now I am being advised that the success of the medication may be attributed to the stimulant keeping my son from getting drowsy during the day from the sleep apnea.
Can anyone share their experience with this type of situation?
it's not that uncommon that the stems are keeping him from getting drowsy at night. you might want to look at getting him some Melatonin. It's all natural and it is a sleep aid. But check with his dr first and you also can check out the alt med board on this site, they know alot about the alt meds for sleep. I'm sure they will be able to help you out over there.
Glad to have you here and Welcome!