Do manualized treatments for depression reduce insomnia symptoms?

Abstract

Objective: Researchers evaluated the effect of manualized treatments for depression on comorbid symptoms of insomnia.

Method: Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze archival data collected from 14 studies (N = 910) examining the efficacy of psychological treatments for depression in adults.

Results: Participants receiving a psychological treatment for depression experienced significantly more relief from symptoms of insomnia with overall, early-, middle-, and late-night sleep than those not receiving such treatment.

Conclusion: Symptoms of insomnia in those with an average (or lower) level of depression can be reduced through psychological treatment for depression. However, more severe depressive symptoms do not receive great relief from sleep disturbance and may require an additional treatment component targeting symptoms of insomnia.

Keywords: Depression; Insomnia; Manualized Treatment; Psychotherapy.