Can sleep disorders signify other problems

Pakistani researchers conducted a study that involved twenty-two adults, who were being evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea. The study evaluated both the degree of sleep apnea and attention deficit impairment. What they found is that over half the adults in the study suffered from significant attention impairment. Eighteen percent of the adults continued to have significant attention impairment after treatment for sleep apnea; consequently these individuals were diagnosed with adult attention deficit disorder.

Further testing indicated that individuals who suffer from neuromuscular and psychiatric conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue also suffered from significant sleep disorders.

The fact of the matter is that many patients will not receive further evaluation for sleep disorders due to forced limitations of time put upon medical professionals in today’s managed - care environment. What do I mean by managed-care environment? Insurance companies often limit the amount of visits (especially when it involves mental health issues) an individual may receive per year. Additionally, mental health treatment is often more expensive to the patient because many insurance companies do not cover as much of the treatment cost as they cover for treatment of physical ailments.

Consequently, it is a double edge sword for both medical professionals and their patients, as patients are forced to bear more of the financial burden and the caregivers are forced to limit their time with the patients. So what happens? Patients with sleep disorders are treated symptomatically, and no further evaluation of underlying problems is given.

The conclusion of this small study suggests that psychologists and psychiatrists treating individuals with attention deficit disorder may have to consider the possibility of sleep apnea as well as other sleep problems. Conversely, medical professionals should be aware that symptoms of sleep apnea might indicate other psychiatric conditions or other sleep disorders.







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