Gender differences in depression severity of patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Introduction: Disruption of sleep structure as a result of awakening due to apnea and hypopnea episodes during sleep might lead to depression, affecting both social and professional life of patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. There is a lack of data regarding gender differences in characteristics of depression in such patients. Aims and objectives: Our aim was the quantitative and qualitative measurement of depression in men and women with a diagnosed OSA. Methods: 99 patients were included in the study: 35 women (mean age of 60,12±8,54 years; BMI 32,81± 6,61) and 64 men (mean age of 51,62±12,35 years; BMI 32,67±5,41) with an OSA diagnosis based on type 1 AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) polysomnography. The depression severity levels were assessed with a use of Beck’s Depression Inventory. Results: In women in 29 (82,25%) the symptoms of depression of different levels of severity was diagnosed, compared to 37 men (57,81%). The severity of depression measured with a use of Beck’s Inventory was statistically significantly (p Conclusions: The acquired data suggests that severity of depression in patients with OSA depends on gender and is higher in women.