Publication:

Evaluation of perceptions of general physicians regarding the association of obstructive sleep apnoea with depression in the real world setting in the United Kingdom

Background Patients with depression may also have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Management of OSA in patients with depression may improve depression and neurocognitive functions. Hence it is important to identify OSA early when assessing patients with depression or cognitive impairment. Aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge attitude and practices of general practitioners (GPs) in the United Kingdom (UK) regarding OSA in patients with depression.

Methods A questionnaire (11 questions) regarding OSA symptoms and relevant questions to be asked during history taking by the GP was prepared. Twenty GPs across UK were sent the questionnaire by email and were asked to send their responses to the questionnaire.

Results All the respondents concurred that OSA can have a correlation with depression. Yet, only 33% of respondents asked questions related to OSA to their patients. 67% of GPs reported not asking their patients relevant questions about OSA citing lack of time. The symptom most commonly reported by their patients was difficulty concentrating during the day. 79% GPs reported that they diagnosed OSA from the history in less than 10% of their patients. The chief barriers for initiating treatment for OSA in patients with depression included need for referral of patients with OSA to a specialist (50%), patient acceptance (34%) and 13% GPs were uncertain about the barriers to initiating treatment.

Conclusions Primary care physician should determine the underlying cause of depression rather than simply diagnosing the patient as depressed. OSA must be evaluated in patients with depression by the primary care physician.