Abstract |
It is generally believed that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes depression in some patients, yet it is unknown whether this depression is an actual clinical phenomenon or purely a result of overlapping somatic/physical symptoms shared by both disorders. The present study investigated changes in both somatic and affective/ cognitive symptoms of depression associated with the introduction of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for OSA. Participants were 39 outpatients (35 males, 4 females) with no current or past mental health problems, diagnosed with OSA in a hospital sleep disorders clinic. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered prior to treatment and again 3 months after CPAP. Total BDI scores improved after CPAP, independent of objectively monitored CPAP compliance rates. Both somatic and affective/ cognitive symptoms of depression improved in a similar manner after treatment. Our findings suggest that depressive symptoms experienced by OSA patients are not solely the result of physical OSA symptoms but include a mood component as well. We introduce a hypothetical model to conceptualize the relationship between OSA and depression.
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Authors | Melanie K Means, Kenneth L Lichstein, Jack D Edinger, Daniel J Taylor, H Heith Durrence, Aatif M Husain, R Neal Aguillard, Rodney A Radtke |
Journal | Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung
(Sleep Breath)
Vol. 7
Issue 1
Pg. 31-42
(Mar 2003)
ISSN: 1520-9512 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 12712395
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Affect
- Body Mass Index
- Cognition
- Depression
(diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology, psychology)
- Disorders of Excessive Somnolence
(epidemiology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Polysomnography
- Positive-Pressure Respiration
(methods)
- Severity of Illness Index
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
(epidemiology, psychology, therapy)
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