Treating sleep problems in young people

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Treating sleep problems in young people with attenuated psychotic experiences: a feasibility case series.

  • IRAS ID

    181812

  • Contact name

    Felicity Waite

  • Contact email

    felicity.waite@psych.ox.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Oxford

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 6 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Sleep disturbance is a common problem in adolescents. It has a major impact on mood and quality of life. Sleep problems are associated with a range of mental health problems, including psychosis and psychotic like experiences. It has been hypothesised that sleep problems may play a causal role in the development of psychotic experiences. Therefore treating sleep problems may lead to both improvements in sleep and improvements in psychological wellbeing.

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a talking therapy which has been identified as the treatment of choice for adults with insomnia. However, there has been little research in to its efficacy in young people. Our group have demonstrated the feasibility of CBT-I for patients with distressing psychotic experiences. The aim of the current study (a small case series with 12 participants) is to explore the feasibility of a CBT-I intervention for young people who are help seeking for milder psychotic experiences. It is hoped that this intervention will improve sleep and reduce psychotic-like symptoms.

  • REC name

    South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/SC/0378

  • Date of REC Opinion

    22 Jul 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion