The depression level in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (preliminary presentation)

: The aim of the work is a quantitative analysis of a depression level and a qualitative description of depression symptoms in patients with diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). Evaluation of subjective general-feeling seems particularly important in relation to fragmentation of sleep, desaturation episodes influencing length and quality of sleep. As it appears from various works deprivation of sleep leads to irritation, apathy, difficulties in concentration and perception disorders. It influences significantly social and professional functioning of a patient. 23 patients were included in the examination after having performed an initial questionnaire and MESAM-4 test, on basis of which a patient was qualified to a polisomnographic examination. In all patients the polisomnographic examination confirmed the diagnosis of OSAS. Then, the Beck's Inventory of Depression Symptoms was used. Evaluation of a degree of depression intensity was adopted according to American psychologists, as follows: 0-9 points no depression; 10-15 mild depression; 15-19 moderate; 20-29 moderate/severe; over 29 points severe. The mean in the examined group was 21.4 points and 6 patients showed severe depression achieving more than 29 points in the test. The results were compared with the control group comprising 31 people, and the mean in this group was 6.5 points. As the results show, patients with diagnosed OSAS were characterised by higher indices of depression. This fact points at the necessity of application of individual forms of aid.