Continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnoea improved oculogyric crises as well as psychotic symptoms in a woman with schizophrenia and developmental disability
Saturday, March 7th, 2020
Abstract
Introduction: This report highlights the risk factors and complexities of schizophrenia as well as the adverse effects of treatment. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has a notorious history of under-diagnosis in both the general population as well as those suffering from mental health disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Antipsychotics have life altering side effects contributing both to a decrease in quality of life as well as increasing morbidity and mortality.
Case overview: This case report presents a 61-year-old female with diagnoses of schizophrenia, frontal lobe epilepsy, a developmental disability, oculogyric crises (OGC), and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Discussion overview: Early intervention with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in those suffering from OSA can have dramatic effects decreasing the burden of concurrent disease. This report showcases that treatment of OSA with CPAP increased patient wellbeing, allowing down-titration of risperidone, and thereby ameliorating the drug-induced OGC in this patient.