Date of Submission

2015

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology

First Advisor

Susan Panichelli Mindel, PhD, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Brad Rosenfield, PsyD

Third Advisor

Stacey Carpenter, PsyD

Abstract

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental/psychiatric condition in childhood (CDC; Gruber, 2009). Disturbances in sleep can create a variety of impairments, both cognitive and behavioral, and may negatively affect attention, memory, visuo-spatial abilities, sustained attention and divergent intelligence (creativity) (Stores, 1999). The aim of the present study was to examine the role that sleep disturbances had on the cognitive performance of children with ADHD. Specifically, the possible relationship between poor sleep and children’s performance on working memory, attention and reaction time tasks and poor sleep were examined. Overall, in the current sample of 54 children who underwent a neuropsychological evaluation at an outpatient clinic, the presence of sleep disturbances was not predictive of performance on tasks of attention and reaction time and memory. Although these findings seem counter to the existing literature, possible explanations for these discrepancies are provided.

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