Obstructive sleep apnoea and schizophrenia: a primer for psychiatrists

Alam A, Chengappa KNR. Obstructive sleep apnoea and schizophrenia: a primer for psychiatrists Objective: The main objective of this review is to improve psychiatric clinician awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and its potential consequences in patients with schizophrenia. This article will also discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for OSA while considering the significant role psychiatrists can play in facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.

Ovid, Medline and PsychInfo databases were searched for articles between 1960 and 2010. Search terms used were Sleep apnoea or apnoea and schizophrenia or psychosis. The number of articles retrieved was 38. Articles were carefully reviewed for any data pertinent to OSA in patients with schizophrenia.

OSA is a common disorder that is frequently unrecognised. As a chronic breathing condition, OSA is associated with adverse health outcomes and high mortality. OSA may co-occur with schizophrenia or evolve over time, especially with weight gain. The diagnosis should be considered whenever a patient presents with risk factors or clinical manifestations that are highly suggestive of OSA. Those who report snoring, daytime sleepiness and are obese or have a large neck circumference should be considered for an OSA diagnosis. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of OSA can reduce daytime sleepiness, improve cardiovascular and other medical conditions, as well as reduce mortality. Psychiatrists can play very important role in suspecting OSA in their patients and making the initial referral. Furthermore, behavioural management, especially promoting weight loss and smoking cessation, are effective components of OSA treatment that psychiatrists are positioned to facilitate with their patients.