APAP for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Mental Illness

Overseen By Stephanie Ibrahim

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Diego

Disqualifiers: Substance abuse, Dementia, Neurological conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 12 weeks

300 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing a treatment called Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) for adults with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who also have sleep apnea. PAP treatment uses a machine to help keep the airways open during sleep by providing a steady stream of air through a mask. The study aims to see if this treatment can improve cognitive function and overall health in these patients over several months. Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) is the standard and most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are already receiving treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, you may not be eligible to participate.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in people with mental illness?

Research shows that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which is similar to APAP, can improve cognitive function and reduce psychiatric symptoms in people with schizophrenia. This suggests that APAP might also help improve sleep and mental health in people with mental illness who have OSA. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is APAP safe for treating obstructive sleep apnea in people with mental illness?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), a similar treatment to APAP, has been shown to be safe and effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in people with mental illness, improving sleep and cognitive function without major safety concerns. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

How does the APAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in mental illness differ from other treatments?

APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) is a unique treatment for obstructive sleep apnea because it automatically adjusts the air pressure to the patient's needs throughout the night, unlike CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) which provides a constant pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mental illness, as it may offer a more comfortable and adaptable solution to managing their sleep apnea symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 9}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 40-70 with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, who may also have or be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Participants should not have other major psychiatric conditions and must not be under conservatorship.

Inclusion Criteria

I am at risk for or have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder.

You have never had a serious mental illness in your life.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person or at home)

Treatment

Participants receive a 3-month treatment with an automatic Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) device

12 weeks

Weekly check-ins (virtual or in-person), monthly detailed assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)

Trial Overview The study is testing the use of Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) machines to treat obstructive sleep apnea in individuals with serious mental illnesses, assessing how it might improve their cognitive function.

Participant Groups

Group I: Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) device Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Diego

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,215

Recruited

1,593,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognition in schizophrenia improves with treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnoea: A pilot study. [2020]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment outcome of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a patient with schizophrenia: case report. [2017]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Treatable With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in People With Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neuropsychiatric manifestations of obstructive sleep apnea: a review. [2019]

5. Japan pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Treatment of psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders with comorbid sleep apnea syndrome: a case report]. [2013]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with serious mental illness. [2022]

7. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Obstructive sleep apnea: management considerations in psychiatric patients. [2020]

8. Sweden pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea in high-risk patients with mood disorders. [2023]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute psychosis after CPAP treatment in a schizophrenic patient with sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome. [2019]