IIH frequently has co-existent psychiatric abnormalities and sleep-related abnormalities leading to poor quality of life. However, the literature on this is very limited, and we intend to evaluate these parameters with the help of different worldwide validated scales.

Sixty IIH patients diagnosed by Friedman’s criteria and forty age and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study conducted at tertiary care center in North-India from January 2022 to March 2023. Baseline characteristics were noted for both groups. PHQ-9, PHQ-15, GAD-7, WHODAS, and WHOQOL were used for the assessment of depression, somatization, anxiety, disability, and quality of life respectively. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), restless leg syndrome (RLS) scale, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Berlin Questionnaire, and STOP-Bang questionnaire.

83.33% cases were female with mean age 36.62 (9.47) and BMI 27.81 (5.24). 65% cases had BMI≥25. There was a significant difference in PHQ-9, PHQ-15, GAD-7, WHODAS (p=<0.001) and WHO-QOL BREF (p=0.002) indicating poor psychiatric health and QOL. Poor sleep quality (PSQI≥5) was observed in 60% of cases vs 15% controls (p=<0.001). Daytime sleepiness was 13.33% vs 7.5%, and RLS was 38.33% vs 25%, Insomnia was 31.67% vs 12.5%. Higher risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as per Berlin questionnaire and STOP-Bang questionnaire was found in cases as compared to controls (p=0.01).

IIH tend to have co-existent effect on patient’s psychiatric health and poor quality of life. IIH patients had poor sleep quality and are at a higher risk for developing OSA. Integrating sleep assessment and psychological care with routine medical management can potentially improve overall well-being and enhance quality of life outcomes for patients with IIH.