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There is enough evidence about the fact that sleep apnea can lead to depression and if a depressed patient is treated for sleep disorders, there is a good chance that pain and depression symptoms may recede. However, before we can get into the connection between sleep apnea and depression, it is crucial to understand what sleep apnea really is.
Sleep Apnea Symtoms
Symptoms such as snoring, complete or partial interruption of breathing during sleep, a drastic drop in levels of oxygen in the blood, sleep fragmentation and feeling sleepy and lethargic during the day on a regular basis are a few tell-tale symptoms of sleep apnea. In fact, sleep apnea is one of the most common sleeping disorders and has also had profound effects in the medical world due to the mortality and morbidity associated with this disorder.
Consequences of Sleep Apnea
Some of the most common consequences caused by sleep apnea include stroke, congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, myocardial infraction, coronary heart disease, hypertension etc. In fact, sleep apnea can also have several devastating impacts on the mind with problems such as cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric problems. Though sleep apnea and depression are closely related in many cases, many psychologists, psychiatrists and physicians seem to miss the plot. One possible reason for this is that sleep apnea may also appear to be a symptom of preexisting depression.
In order to treat a patient suffering from depression due to sleep apnea, it is necessary to first establish this connection between sleep apnea and depression. Without this, there is no possibility of diagnosis and treatment. Accurate evaluation is necessary for any psychologist or psychiatrist to establish a concrete link between sleep apnea and depression.
Link Between Sleep Apnea and Depression
Though there are not many concrete explanations for the link between sleep apnea and depression, a few theories and speculations have been put across. Many researchers believe that the diminishing oxygen levels caused by sleep apnea coupled with interruptions in sleep can be responsible for depression and cause depression symptoms as well. Researchers are yet to determine whether treating sleep apnea will solve the problem of depression or will it work the other way round. So, while there is a visible link between sleep apnea and depression, doctors are yet to determine the correct course for treatment.
Answering the question of what comes first is perhaps the best way to treat a patient for either problem. This requires the patient to be tracked for a long time before any connection can be established. Psychologists and psychiatrists can both play a vital role in decreasing sleep apnea effects on depression. One must understand the patients of sleep apnea face challenges on both, the social as well as the emotional level. In this situation, not just medical professionals, but even friends and family members can play a vital role in bringing down sleep apnea effects on depression. Again, treatment and reduction of sleep apnea effects on depression can play a major role in reducing the requirement for antidepressants and other forms of treatment. At the end of the day, it is left up to a psychiatrist of psychologist to treat each case on an individual basis and deal with the problem accordingly.
