Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Abstract

Introduction:Information concerning the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is controversial. Hence, the objectives of this study were to: determine the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with SDB; explore whether the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms rises with increasing parameters of SDB severity; and investigate the factors potentially associated with anxiety and depression.Materials and Methodology:Data was collected from consecutive adult patients referred to the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases’ Sleep Medicine Unit from October 2008 to October 2009. SDB diagnoses were established using standard polysomnography or simplified respiratory polygraphy. All patients routinely completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) on their first visit to the Sleep Medicine Unit.Results:382 patients with SDB were included. Mean age was 50.8±13.6 years, 62% were male. Anxiety symptoms were acknowledged by 71 patients (18.5%), while 29 (7.6%) had depression symptoms, and 116 (30.4%) had symptoms of anxiety plus depression. Patients who reported anxiety and depression symptoms scored higher on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS, 16±7) than those with no symptoms (11±6) (p<0.0001). Patients with symptoms of anxiety plus depression also had higher BMIs (36 ± 8 K/m2) than patients with SDB without anxiety or depression. No other differences were observed, not even with respect to the parameters of the severity of their SDB.Conclusions:Our results support the recommendation that due to their high frequency and potential importance for long-term adherence to CPAP, anxiety and depression symptoms should be included in the routine evaluation of all adults with SDB.

Sleep apnea severity and depressive symptoms in a population-based study

“…[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Several explanations for the differences in these observations are possible. Firstly, it could be suggested that sleep apnea affects mood differently in people who are aware of their sleep apnea and that this difference might explain the conflicting results between studies.…”

“…12,13 One study in patients with sleep apnea suggest that there is an association of low oxygen saturation with depressive symptoms but not between the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) with depressive symptoms, 14 whereas other studies suggest no association between indicators of sleep apnea severity with depressive symptoms. [15][16][17] A study including persons with suspected sleep apnea reported no consistent association between the severity of respiratory disturbances and depressive symptoms. 18 This is in line with results obtained from a large study of the general population.…”

Association between sleep‐disordered breathing, sleep–wake pattern, and cognitive impairment among patients with chronic heart failure

“…Furthermore, reduced quality of life, anxiety, and depression have also been described. 11,15 Sleep disturbances, such as SDB, may from a pathophysiological perspective affect the development of early atherosclerosis (i.e. by an increased sympathetic activation), and as a consequence increase the risk of vascular dementia in patients with CHF.…”

Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients in Saudi Arabia

“…Life time prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder in general population is 5.7% [4] . In contrast, 18.5% of patients with sleep disordered breathing had anxiety in one study [5] . In a study conducted by Sharafk haneh et al, [3] the prevalence of anxiety among patients with OSA was reported to be 16.67% and depression was 21.75% [3] .…”