Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in People Aging With Serious Mental Illness
University of California, San Diego
Summary
Serious mental illnesses (SMI) like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two of the most disabling and costly chronic illnesses worldwide. A high proportion of adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but tend to be underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to the general population. This study aims to examine feasibility, acceptance, and impact of OSA treatment and how it affects cognitive function in people with SMI.
Description
Sleep disturbances are central to many psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with clear implications for cognition, brain health, physical health and aging. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is typically underdiagnosed and undertreated due to impairment from psychiatric symptoms, limited resources, and stigma. In turn, consequences of untreated OSA in SMI are dire: in particular, worsening cardiometabolic health, cognitive decline, and death. Few studies have examined the impact of treatments for obstructive sleep apnea on cognitive problems in a high-risk group, suc…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40–70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Control participants: * lifetime absence of major psychiatric illness * 40 to 70 years old * be at risk for or have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea For participants with serious mental illness: * diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder * must not be conservatized * 40 - 70 years old * be at risk or have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Exclusion Criteria: * DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of active alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence in the 3 months preceding enrollment. This will be self-report. * Diagnosis of dementia,…
Interventions
- DeviceAutomatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)
If eligible, participants will be given a clinical Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) device for up to 3 months, while they are waiting for their clinical evaluation from a sleep physician. The APAP device will we will be using is the ResMed Airsense 11 Autoset. APAP is a smart positive airway pressure (PAP) device, where the pressure changes as needed to provide optimal pressure to splint the upper airway. Dr. Lee and Dr. Schmickl will oversee management of the device. During the first month of APAP use, individuals will participate in weekly phone calls or in-person visits to ensure optimal adherence and troubleshoot any issues (improper mask fitting, discomfort, etc) that may arise.
Location
- UCSDLa Jolla, California