Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia for the Treatment of Child and Adolescent Anxiety and Depression

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has shown promising results in the adult population. However, there is not enough evidence for children and adolescents. Hence, we evaluated the current evidence of CBT-I in the treatment of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Published randomized clinical trials published before June 2020 were searched from PubMed, Cochrane Library of database, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar. Out of seven included studies, six studies assessed the effect of CBT-I on depression, and five assessed the effect on anxiety. In this review, most studies in this review showed a strong effect of CBT-I on symptoms of depression. Although a positive effect of CBT-I on anxiety was noted, only a small number of studies have considered this management. These findings should be considered preliminary, and further large-scale studies are warranted to further explore this finding further.

A bibliometric analysis of insomnia in adolescent

“…By treating cognitive symptoms and deficits, enhancing stress management, and improving sleep architecture to reduce limbic activation, improve prefrontal regulation, and reduce mid–limbic brain dysregulation as well as better cortisol reactions to stress and inflammatory cytokine regulation, CBT reduces the symptoms of insomnia and comorbid mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression ( 103 ). Therefore, CBT can effectively improve depression and anxiety in adolescents with adolescent insomnia through mental health education, cognitive restructuring, and mental and physical relaxation techniques ( 104 – 106 ).…”

Efficacy of internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A 2019 meta-analysis by Oud et al demonstrated CBT's effectiveness for youth with depression ( Oud et al, 2019 ). Similarly, a review conducted by Reddy et al highlighted the robust impact of CBT on depressive symptoms among adolescents ( Reddy et al, 2023 ). Despite these effective interventions, most adolescents with mental health needs do not receive adequate treatment ( Essau, 2005 ; Mojtabai et al, 2016 ; Merikangas et al, 2011 ).…”