ADHD as a circadian rhythm disorder: evidence and implications for chronotherapy (2025)

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry explores the growing body of evidence suggesting that Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be fundamentally linked to circadian rhythm dysregulation. Researchers highlight that a significant portion of individuals with ADHD exhibit delayed sleep-wake phase patterns, which correlate with symptom severity and cognitive impairment. The paper argues that the traditional view of ADHD as purely a neurodevelopmental condition may overlook the biological clock's role in regulating dopamine and executive function. By examining the intersection of chronobiology and psychiatry, the authors propose that 'chronotherapy'—interventions such as light therapy, melatonin administration, and structured sleep hygiene—could serve as a viable, non-pharmacological adjunct to standard treatments. This shift in perspective suggests that aligning treatment schedules with a patient's internal biological clock could significantly improve outcomes, offering a promising new frontier for personalized psychiatric care and management of ADHD symptoms.