RESEARCH

SLEEP INTERVENTION

Effects of group cognitive behavioural therapy for comorbid insomnia and depression in youth

Brief Description

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most common psychiatric disorders among adolescents, and is associated with considerable psychosocial and functional impairments and an elevated risk of suicidal behaviour and completed suicide. Meanwhile, sleep disturbance, particularly insomnia, is among the most prevalent and prominent presenting complaints in adolescents with depression. Despite its high prevalence, insomnia often remains overlooked and under-treated in clinical practice. However, growing evidence suggests an intricate relationship between insomnia and depression, which has become an area in need of further focused attention. This project will involve a randomised controlled trial proposed to examine whether insomnia treatment confers additional benefit to depression treatment in adolescents with comorbid depression and insomnia, for improving sleep and depressive symptoms, and other clinical and daytime symptoms as well as overall functional improvement in both the short and long term.

Target Participants

Youth aged between 12-24 years old who had insomnia and depression.

Target Participants

Youth aged between 12-24 years old who had insomnia and depression.

Study Details

Adolescents who enroll in the study will be invited to participate in 8 weekly group therapy either targeting on depression or insomnia and they are required to participate in the following tasks before and after the intervention:

Sleep and mood assessment
Self-reported sleep and mood related questionnaire
week Actiwatch for monitor sleep
Computerized task to assess attention and cognitive functioning

Study content:

Questionnaires
Clinical interviews (sleep and mood assessments)
Neurocognitive tests
Stool sample collection
Blood examination
Overnight sleep assessment
Suitable subjects may be invited to undergo colonoscopy
Join the study