Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in a Real-World Study of Participants With OSA With or Without Comorbid Depression

Abstract: Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that is often associated with medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Patients with OSA experience many symptoms that can be burdensome and affect their quality of life. This analysis aimed to characterize common comorbidities and the most frequent and burdensome symptoms present at OSA diagnosis. Methods: Adult US residents with OSA completed a survey in Evidation Health’s Achievement app that assessed sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), self-reported PAP usage, physician-diagnosed comorbidities, and symptoms at time of OSA diagnosis. EDS was defined as ESS score >10. Results: 2289 participants with OSA completed the survey. Across the study population, the most common self-reported physician-diagnosed comorbidities were anxiety (44%) and depression (42%). The most common symptoms participants reported at time of OSA diagnosis were EDS (79%), fatigue (79%), snoring (75%), and awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat (63%). Concentration/memory problems (48%) and mood changes (46%) were also common. Of the symptoms present at OSA diagnosis, the most likely to be burdensome were fatigue (53%), EDS (46%), snoring (35%), difficulty concentrating/memory issues (31%), and mood changes (25%). Conclusions: These real-world data identify anxiety and depression as the most frequently reported comorbidities in a population of participants with OSA. In addition to classic OSA symptoms, concentration/memory problems and mood changes were also common presenting symptoms and were frequently reported as highly burdensome, along with fatigue, EDS, and snoring.Short Description: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder often associated with medical and psychiatric comorbidities. This analysis characterized common comorbidities and the most frequent and burdensome symptoms present at OSA diagnosis. These real-world data identify anxiety and depression as the most frequently reported comorbidities. In addition to classic OSA symptoms, concentration/memory problems and mood changes were also common presenting symptoms and were frequently reported as highly burdensome, along with fatigue, EDS, and snoring.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Axsome Therapeutics, Jazz Pharmaceuticals