Insomnia severity predicts depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans with spinal cord injury or disease: a cross-sectional observational study

J Clin Sleep Med, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.10410 · Published: April 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Sleep Medicine Mental Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines the relationship between insomnia symptoms and mental health in veterans with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). It looks at whether insomnia can predict depression, anxiety, and PTSD in this population. The researchers used questionnaires to measure insomnia severity, depression, anxiety, and PTSD in 72 veterans with SCI/D. They then analyzed the data to see if there was a link between insomnia and these mental health conditions. The study found that veterans with more severe insomnia symptoms were more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety, and were at a higher risk for PTSD. This suggests that addressing insomnia in veterans with SCI/D could also improve their mental health.

Study Duration

From 2017-01-01 to 2020-03-31

Participants

72 veterans with SCI/D

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional observational study

Key Findings

1
Insomnia severity was associated with depression and anxiety symptom severity in veterans with SCI/D.
2
There was an increased likelihood of meeting criteria for PTSD for veterans with SCI/D who reported elevated insomnia severity.
3
Brief screening measures for insomnia may help identify a higher probability of depression, anxiety, and PTSD in individuals with SCI/D.

Research Summary

This study assessed the association of insomnia symptoms and psychiatric symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). The study found that insomnia symptoms are predictive of depression, anxiety, and probable PTSD in individuals with SCI/D. The results support the use of brief screening measures for insomnia for identifying a higher probability of depression, anxiety, and PTSD in individuals with SCI/D who report elevated insomnia symptoms.

Practical Implications

Clinical Screening

Brief insomnia screening questionnaires should be part of standard clinical screening for patients with SCI/D to identify potential mental health concerns.

Integrated Treatment

Patients with SCI/D who have co-occurring insomnia and mental health conditions may require integrated treatment approaches that address both sleep and psychiatric issues.

Further Research

Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of insomnia treatment on depression, anxiety, and PTSD in patients with SCI/D.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
2
The study sample primarily included individuals with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
3
Reliance on self-reported measures rather than clinician-administered assessments.

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