After evaluating the cognitive and behavioral abilities of all children, the researchers determined that 22 of the children scheduled for a tonsil and adenoid removal also had ADHD, while only two children from the 27 not scheduled for the surgery had this behavioral problem.
A year later, the children who had their tonsils removed to treat sleep apnea showed a significant improvement of their symptoms. Also, 11 of these children who were previously diagnosed with ADHD no longer met the criteria for diagnosis. The results of the study were published in Pediatrics.
"The findings help support the idea that sleep-disordered breathing is actually helping to cause behavioral problems in children," said Chervin.
The reason why obstructive sleep apnea may affect a child's behavior is not at all clear. While poor rest and general grogginess may contribute to behavior problems, a few children in the study developed new ADHD a year after the surgery, suggesting that sleep-disordered breathing may cause damage that is not seen until years later.
The take home message of the study, according to the authors, is that children who snore or seem to have other difficulty breathing while they sleep, should see a doctor for treatment. If the child also has behavioral problems and those dissipate as a result of the treatment, so much the better.
