Cross-sectional examination of gender differences in depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

This study examined the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in OSA patients, and predictors of mood disturbance in male and female patients. N = 344 consecutive OSA patients (mean age 51.6 SD 14.1 years, 176 women) completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. 42.3% of females reported significant depressive symptoms compared to 32.7% of males, and 29.7% of females compared to 21.4% of males reported significant anxiety. In women, sleepiness, anxiety, and BMI were significant predictors of depression, whereas only sleepiness and anxiety were significant predictors of depression in males. Obesity was a stronger predictor of depression among women, suggesting a complex interaction between weight, sleep, and depression in female patients.