Article website https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/beyond-the-night-unraveling-the-psychiatric-impact-of-sleep-disorders

Author(s): Michael S.B. Mak, Charles Choi

Key Takeaways

  • Sleep disorders and psychiatric conditions have a bidirectional relationship, complicating diagnosis and treatment, necessitating integrated care models for optimal outcomes.
  • Insomnia is linked to anxiety and depression, with cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) being effective in managing comorbid psychiatric conditions.
  • Narcolepsy and circadian rhythm disorders overlap with psychiatric disorders, requiring careful differentiation and management to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
  • Parasomnias and restless legs syndrome are prevalent in psychiatric populations, with specific treatments needed to address both sleep and psychiatric symptoms.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with depression and cognitive impairment, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment to improve psychiatric outcomes.

 

Article website https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/promoting-insomnia-management-in-the-context-of-psychiatric-symptoms

Author(s): Alexander Sweetman, Olga Papadopoulos

Key Takeaways

  • Insomnia occurs in up to 90% of individuals with symptoms of depression, distress or anxiety.
  • Insomnia diagnostic criteria includes self-reported difficulties falling asleep and/or maintaining sleep on at least 3 nights per week, with associated daytime functional/feeling impairment, in the context of adequate time in bed and opportunity for sleep.
  • Insomnia and psychiatric symptoms have a bidirectional relationship, complicating diagnosis and treatment strategies.
  • CBT-I is the recommended first-line treatment for insomnia, but access is limited due to a shortage of trained clinicians.
  • Treating insomnia with CBT-I can improve psychiatric symptoms and may prevent the onset of conditions like depression.
  • Efforts in Australia aim to increase CBT-I access through education and collaboration, potentially informing international practices.