Sleep apnea can cause symptoms of depression/anxiety in teenagers.

[DrRossTriolo]

I would like to raise awareness about sleep apnea as a cause for symptoms of depression/anxiety in teenagers. I am an ENT surgeon in Malvern, Victoria and every week I see several young people who have been struggling for years because of previously unrecognized obstructive sleep apnea. The majority of my patients are a healthy weight, the most common risk factor is a family history of snoring/sleep apnea in one or both parents. The only way to properly exclude the condition is to have a sleep study. This test used to only be available in hospital but can now be done at home. I strongly recommend that you speak to your local GP, paediatric respiratory physician or ENT specialist for more information.