Chronobiology in Pediatric Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Author Information
Author(s): Gabriele Giannotta, Marta Ruggiero, Antonio Trabacca
Primary Institution: Associazione “La Nostra Famiglia”, IRCCS “E. Medea”
Hypothesis
Chronobiology-based therapeutic approaches can improve symptoms in pediatric neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Conclusion
Chronobiology-based interventions, such as melatonin therapy and light exposure, can significantly improve symptoms and overall functioning in children with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronobiology has gained attention in pediatric neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Dysregulation of melatonin and cortisol secretion is observed in children with ASD, ADHD, and PTSD.
- Chronotherapy approaches showed promise in managing circadian rhythm disruptions.
- Melatonin supplementation improved sleep quality and reduced ADHD symptoms in some children.
- Light therapy proved effective in stabilizing sleep–wake cycles in ASD and ADHD patients.
- Behaviour-based interventions improved circadian alignment in children with ASD.
Takeaway
This study shows that our body's internal clock affects how kids with certain brain disorders feel and behave, and fixing these rhythms can help them feel better.
Methodology
This narrative review used a systematic approach to identify relevant studies from major scientific databases, focusing on circadian rhythms in pediatric populations.
Potential Biases
Variability in study quality and potential biases inherent in individual studies were not systematically evaluated.
Limitations
The review did not perform a formal qualitative appraisal of the included studies, which may affect the reliability of the conclusions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website