Depression worse after CPAP ?
Q.I have been using a CPAP for about 4 months.. I have noticed that since I started using it, although I have more energy overall, my depression seems to be getting worse.. I think I read somewhere that lack of sleep may actually help to mitigate the symptoms of depression... any thoughts on this?
A.When I first began treatment for major depression and whenever I had a depressive episode, and would meet with my psychiatrist, he always started the session with, "What has your sleep pattern been, how has your cognition been, etc.? He also specifically stated that to avoid depression one must have adequate quality sleep. My internist once made an identical statement. From my experience, the depression and cognitive deficits that come about from lack of sleep can't be treated with psychotherapy; however, they can be treated with meds. If your are depressed and know why (lost your job, lost a loved one, etc. etc.), a combo of therapy and meds could make a big difference in your life. If you need meds, try to find a psychopharmacologist (psychiatrist who specializes in treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders with meds). I know you have been on this NG longer than I have. I know because I have been envious of your dieting success. But that doesn't keep me from taking a little exception to what you have said here. You may be correct with respect to mild, everyday blues, depression; however, I'd have to see the clinical study you refer to (link or other reference?) before accepting the statement. Depression is a matter of reduced neurotransmitters. Herbs, such as St. John's Wort and/or exercise increase the appropriate neurotransmitter. But to treat clinical (major) depression, it takes one or more prescription drugs to generate enough of the appropriate neurotransmitters to make a difference. Do you have a rough idea of what year you read this? It may be that you read it in mid-1980s. When I developed major depression in 1985, my (unsuccessful) treatment for two years was composed of 3 or 4 different pairs of drugs that didn't do anything for the depression, but sure did have unlivable side effects. However, since that time there have been continuous improvements in anti-depressants, which IMO have put them above herbs and exercise.
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