Citation

Hayley AC, Williams LJ, Berk M, Kennedy GA, Jacka FN, Pasco JA. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Psychiatry 2013; 47(8): 772-778.

Affiliation

School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. achayley@deakin.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0004867413490036

PMID

23677847

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common clinical symptom that affects women more than men. However, the association of excessive sleepiness with depressive and anxiety disorders in the broader population is unclear. The aim of this study was, therefore, to examine the association between excessive daytime sleepiness as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and depressive and anxiety disorders in a population-based sample of women. METHODS: Using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (Non-Patient) (SCID-I/NP), 944 women aged 20-97 years (median 49 years, IQR 33-65 years) were assessed for depressive and anxiety disorders as part of the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. EDS was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS, cut-off > 10). Lifestyle factors were documented by self-report, height and weight were measured, and socioeconomic status categorised according to the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage. RESULTS: Overall, 125 (13.2%) of the women were identified with EDS. EDS was associated with an increased likelihood for both current (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.10-4.06) and lifetime history (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.28-2.97) of depressive disorders, but not anxiety disorders, independent of age and alcohol consumption. These findings were not explained by antidepressant or sedative use, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with current and lifetime depressive, but not anxiety disorders. Clinically, this highlights the need to take into account the possible bidirectional relationship between depressive disorders and excessive sleepiness when assessing mental health issues in patients with EDS.

Language: en