Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Depression, Anxiety and Perceived Stress Levels in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on depression, anxiety, and perceived stress levels and factors that predict good response in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Method: This study included 51 patients who admitted to Adiyaman University Medical School Otorhinolaryngology Department or Eskisehir Yunus Emre State Hospital between January to September 2014 with one or more complaints including snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, or witnessed apnea by the partner. Diagnosis of OSAS was made with polysomnography and CPAP was initiated. Depression levels of the patients were assessed with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at initiation of treatment and at 3rd month, anxiety levels of the patients were assessed with both HADS and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and perceived stress level was assessed with Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ).

Results: After CPAP treatment significant decreases were observed in both Depression and Anxiety Subscales of HADS, in Trait Anxiety subscale of STAI, and in PSQ. Evaluation of initial parameters that predict decrease in these scales revealed that snoring time predicted decreases in all scales that are significantly decreased.

Conclusion: In OSAS patients CPAP treatment has positive effects on psychological parameters like depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. We suggest that possible psychogenic benefits especially in patients with long snoring times who may also have social problems should be considered when deciding to start CPAP treatment.