Abnormal sleep features in adolescent MDD and its potential in diagnosis and prediction of early efficacy

Previous studies have shown that abnormal sleep architectures are the important indicator for diagnosing MDD and predicting the efficacy of antidepressants. However, few studies have focused specifically on adolescents.

To explore the relationship between abnormal sleep features, including PSG parameters and scale evaluation, and the onset of adolescent MDD, as well as early SSRIs efficacy.

102 adolescent MDD patients (age 12 to 19-year-old) and 41 similarly age-marched controls were recruited. Demographic data, the HAMD₂₄ and the PSQI scale assessment scores were collected at baseline, latter two were also collected at follow-up. Part of the participants underwent a minimum 7-d medication-free period, and two consecutive night polysomnography. In the follow-up study, MDD patients were treated with standardized SSRIs. Treatment response was assessed every two weeks.

MDD subjects' parental marital status, REM-sleep latency, N2, N2%, N3, REM-sleep duration, REM % showed significant differences at baseline. REM-sleep latency showed significant prediction of the onset of MDD. The HAMD₂₄ and PSQI scale assessment scores decreased over time in the follow-up study. Specifically, the sleep disorder factor score of HAMD₂₄, the scores of PSQI sleep latency, sleep disorder, sleep efficiency and total score showed significantly differences between responder and non-responder groups. PSQI baseline moderate group showed significant prediction of the early efficacy of SSRIs.

Abnormal sleep PSG parameters and self-evaluation could be predictors for the adolescent MDD onset and early SSRIs efficacy.