Sequential combinations of drug and cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia: an exploratory study.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Annie Vallières; Charles M Morin; Guay, Bernard

Source:

Behav Res Ther, Volume 43, Issue 12, p.1611-30 (2005)

Keywords:

Adult, Azabicyclo Compounds, Behavior Therapy, Chronic Disease, Cognitive Therapy, Combined Modality Therapy, Female, Humans, Hypnotics and Sedatives, Male, Middle Aged, Piperazines, Polysomnography, Psychometrics, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Treatment Outcome

Abstract:

<p>This study explores the efficacy of sequential treatments involving medication and cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for primary insomnia. Seventeen participants took part in a multiple baseline design and were assigned to: (a) medication for 5 weeks, followed by combined medication plus CBT for 5 weeks; (b) combined treatment for 5 weeks, followed by CBT alone; or (c) CBT alone. Each treatment sequence produced significant sleep improvements, but at different points in time. For the first sequence, most of the sleep improvement was obtained after the introduction of CBT, while for the other sequence and CBT alone, improvement appeared during the first weeks. These results suggest that sleep improvement seems affected by the way treatments are combined. Also, a sequence beginning with a combined treatment followed by CBT alone seems to produce the best outcome. Additional research should be conducted with larger samples to determine the most effective sequence.</p>