Could DSPS Be Mistaken for ADHD?

PostedSeptember 12, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, DSPS mistakenly identifying ADHD is a common issue. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) and ADHD share several overlapping symptoms, making it easy to confuse the two. DSPS is a circadian rhythm disorder where a person’s internal clock is delayed, causing them to fall asleep and wake up later than what’s considered typical. This disruption in the sleep-wake cycle can lead to ADHD misdiagnosis, as individuals with DSPS often experience symptoms such as inattention, irritability, and difficulty following schedules, traits commonly associated with ADHD.

How DSPS and ADHD Overlap

While ADHD is primarily characterised by difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, delayed sleep phase in DSPS can also lead to:

Daytime fatigue

Individuals with DSPS often struggle with getting up early, leading to tiredness and a lack of focus, similar to symptoms seen in ADHD.

Mood changes

Lack of adequate sleep from DSPS can cause irritability and emotional dysregulation, which are also common in ADHD.

Inattention and poor performance

The sleep deprivation caused by DSPS may result in cognitive difficulties, including problems with concentration and memory, which mimic the inattention seen in ADHD.

Why DSPS May Be Misdiagnosed as ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD misdiagnosis due to DSPS occur because both conditions affect attention and mood. Since DSPS is primarily a sleep disorder, it may not be immediately recognised as the root cause of the behavioural issues. Additionally, many children and adults with ADHD experience sleep problems, so the sleep disturbances of DSPS may be overlooked or attributed to ADHD symptoms.

Correcting the Misdiagnosis

To avoid mistaken ADHD, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes assessing sleep patterns and considering circadian rhythm disorders like DSPS.

A sleep study or sleep diary can help identify the presence of DSPS and guide treatment options such as light therapy or melatonin to adjust the sleep-wake cycle. For more on ADHD misdiagnosis and understanding delayed sleep phase, explore our complete guide to ADHD and reach out to providers like ADHD Certify.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Sleep disorders.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.