Network analysis of comorbidity between anxiety symptoms and insomnia in adults

Introduction: Comorbidity between anxiety and insomnia symptoms is frequent and often it is understood because the symptoms share a common cause. Network theory conceptualizes emotional disorders at symptoms level and is a contemporary alternative for comprehend psychopathological comorbidity. Objective: To explore the comorbidity between anxiety and insomnia symptoms in Peruvian adults. Methods: The sample was made up of 567 adults (75,1 % women) who responded to self-reports of anxiety and insomnia. A Gaussian graphical network was estimated with measures of centrality, predictability, stability, precision and comparative. To identify symptoms driving comorbidity, bridge symptoms were analyzed in the network structure. Results: All network connections were positive. Trouble relaxing and general sleep quality were identified as the bridge symptoms between anxiety and insomnia. The highest centrality and predictability scores for anxiety were trouble relaxing and worrying, while for insomnia it was overall sleep quality and sleep duration. The network was robust and stable (CS = 0,672). Conclusions: Trouble relaxing and overall sleep quality were identified as bridge symptoms between anxiety and insomnia. Further research is needed to test whether intervention in those symptoms could decrease comorbidity between both emotional disorders.