Clinical Effectiveness of Insomnia Treatment in Adolescents With Comorbid Disorders: A Single Case Experimental Design Study

Abstract

Objective: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is an effective treatment for insomnia in adolescents. Knowledge on how CBTI works in clinical practice in adolescents with comorbid disorders is still scarce. Methods: In current research, clinical efficacy of group-CBTI “SleepingSmart” was investigated in a single case experimental design with pre- and posttests and 2-months follow-up in five participants with comorbid complaints (aged 14–16). Results: After CBTI, insomnia complaints in all participants improved. In addition, sleep parameters improved for most participants. Analyses of process of change indicated that these improvements were related to the intensity of implementation of CBTI techniques, in particular sleep hygiene, and restriction of time in bed. In some participants, comorbid complaints also improved after CBTI. Conclusions: These results indicate that a comorbid condition doesn’t have to be a contraindication for CBTI. In addition, this study shows that CBTI can be an effective treatment for insomnia, and improvements seemed to be related to intensity of implementation of sleep hygiene, and restriction of time in bed.

Implications for Impact Statement

Sleep problems are comorbid to many forms of psychopathology. This study shows that group-CBTI can be effective for adolescents with insomnia and comorbid complaints, and most effect seemed to be caused by sleep hygiene practices and restriction of time in bed. This confirms the notion that sleep problems can be treated regardless of comorbid complaints.

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