ADHD X OSA

 A

For a UK-based academic or clinical reference, the respiratory disorder of breathing most strongly associated with ADHD is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

UK References

• The NHS Sleep Apnoea guidance describes OSA as repeated episodes of breathing stopping and starting during sleep, leading to poor concentration, tiredness, and cognitive difficulties. (nhs.uk)

• Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) – Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Children explains that OSA in children causes airway obstruction during sleep, disturbed sleep, and daytime behavioural problems. (GOSH Hospital site)

• A 2026 systematic review found a strong association between pediatric ADHD and OSA, noting that sleep fragmentation and intermittent hypoxia may worsen ADHD symptoms and that treatment of OSA can improve symptoms in some children. (Sage Journals)

Example sentence for a case report or discussion

Children with ADHD should be assessed for sleep-disordered breathing, particularly obstructive sleep apnoea, as sleep fragmentation and intermittent hypoxia may contribute to inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and behavioural difficulties. (Sage Journals)

Vancouver References

1. National Health Service. Sleep apnoea [Internet]. NHS; 2025. Available from: NHS Sleep Apnoea

2. Great Ormond Street Hospital. Obstructive sleep apnoea [Internet]. London: GOSH; 2025. Available from: GOSH Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

3. Leow BHW, Tan CJW, Yeo BSY, et al. Association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Atten Disord. 2026. (Sage Journals)

Answer for exams/clinical viva: The respiratory disorder of breathing commonly associated with ADHD is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a form of sleep-disordered breathing. (Sage Journals)