An Exploration of Sedation and Sleepiness in Psychosis - A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis

Robbins, Kate (2024) An Exploration of Sedation and Sleepiness in Psychosis - A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Antipsychotic medications are a key component of treatment for psychotic disorders, alongside psychological therapies. Whilst a necessary aspect of treatment for psychosis, the side effects of antipsychotic medications can impact treatment adherence and individual quality of life. Although one of the most common side effects of antipsychotic medication is sedation i.e., excessive sleepiness and oversleeping, there is little understanding of the impact of sedation or on how it is experienced by patients.

Method: This thesis portfolio contains a systematic review and empirical paper. The systematic review synthesised and appraised studies which explored the impact of the sedating side effects of antipsychotic medication on psychological wellbeing. The empirical paper developed a qualitative thematic analysis of the experience of an aspect of sedation, excessive sleepiness, in people with psychotic disorders.

Results: The systematic review found sedation to be a commonly reported side effect with broad impacts on psychological wellbeing including daily functioning, employment, socialising, and mood. The review highlighted a lack of uniformity in the way sedation is measured and conceptualised. The empirical paper found that patients experienced excessive sleepiness as highly detrimental to their ability to perform daily tasks, socialise effectively and work productively. The empirical paper also highlighted potential maintaining behaviours such as sleeping for emotion regulation and inactivity that may contribute to excessive sleepiness. Lastly excessive sleepiness was generally managed through self-help tactics or changes to medication, but patients reported shortcomings with these approaches.

Conclusion: The systematic review draws attention to sedation as a frequently reported side effect that is impactful on daily life and inconsistently measured. The empirical project emphasises the daily impacts of living with excessive sleepiness and how individual response to excessive sleepiness maintained its presence, alongside medication side effects. Further research is needed to assess excessive sleepiness in the context of psychotic disorders and explore if existing treatments can ameliorate individual experience.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2024 14:21
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2024 14:21
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97567
DOI:

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