Prevalence of anxiety disorder and depression in newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea patients

Abstract

Aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among newly diagnosed patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), without known comorbidities other than hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, and to explore differences associated with OSA severity. Methods: Consecutive individuals, examined with polysomnography for suspected OSA, were enrolled. The Zung self-rating anxiety scale (ZAS) and the Zung self-rating depression scale (ZDS) were used to assess anxiety and depression, respectively. Patients were divided into subgroups according to OSA severity. Results: Included were 376 individuals (age 55.2±12.8 yrs; 74.7% males). Severe OSA was diagnosed in 43.1%, moderate in 18.9%, and mild in 20.5%; 17.6% had AHI Conclusions: Prevalence of depression and anxiety is not neglectable among OSA patients, as indicated by ZAS and ZDS questionnaires. OSA severity does not seem to be a predictive factor overall, although differences are observed in some items.