WORLD / Health
Chronic insomnia linked to depression
(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-10 15:33
NEW YORK - For some people, chronic insomnia may be a sign of broader
mental health problems like depression and anxiety, according to a new
study.
In surveys of more than 25,000 Norwegian adults, researchers found that
those with chronic insomnia were more likely to also be suffering from
depression or an anxiety disorder.
What's more, people who reported insomnia during the first wave of the
survey were at increased risk of having an anxiety disorder during the
second wave, conducted a decade later.
This, the researchers say, suggests that insomnia may either raise the
risk of future anxiety problems, or be a sign that a person is
particularly vulnerable to developing anxiety symptoms.
The findings are published in the medical journal Sleep.
Sleep problems are common in people with depression, anxiety and certain
other mental health conditions. But whether insomnia can lead to
depression or anxiety is unclear.
To study the question, researchers led by Dr. Dag Neckelmann of Haukeland
University Hospital in Bergen, Norway, used data from a general health
survey that followed 25,130 adults age 20 and older.
Respondents were first surveyed between 1984 and 1986, then again between
1995 and 1997. Anxiety and depression symptoms were gauged during the
second survey, with standard questions used to diagnose the disorders.
In general, the researchers found, people with chronic insomnia during
the first survey were more likely to have anxiety disorder symptoms
during the second survey - as were respondents who had insomnia during
the second survey only.
This suggests that, in some people, insomnia could signal a current
anxiety disorder, or be a risk factor for developing anxiety down the
road, according to Neckelmann's team.
In contrast, there was no evidence that insomnia was a risk factor for
future depression. Instead, people with insomnia during the second survey
were at heightened risk of current depression - indicating that insomnia
and depression commonly co-exist.
The findings, Neckelmann told Reuters Health, point to the importance of
seeking help for chronic insomnia, as well as being evaluated for any
symptoms of depression or an anxiety disorder.
Each of these disorders, the researcher noted, can be treated with
non-drug options, like cognitive behavioral therapy.
However, Neckelmann said, while this study suggests that insomnia may be
a risk factor for anxiety, it's not yet clear whether treating insomnia
lowers the odds of future anxiety disorders.
Top World News
� Pakistanis storm mosque; 43 dead
� Official: Iraq gov't misses all targets
� Report: Wars cost US $12B a month
� Troops storm Pakistan Red Mosque
� Bush not considering Iraq troop pullout
Today's Top News
� Progress and problems mark elections
� Pakistanis storm mosque; 43 dead
� Former SFDA chief executed in Beijing
� Will Turkey invade northern Iraq?
� Troops storm Pakistan Red Mosque
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours
Learn Chinese, Chinese language, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet
No comments:
Post a Comment