A randomized-controlled trial of an early minimal cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia comorbid with cancer. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Casault, Lucie; Savard, Josée; Ivers, Hans; Savard, Marie-Hélène
• Is Part Of: Behaviour research and therapy. Volume 67(2015)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Cancer -- Insomnia -- Acute -- Cognitive-behavioural therapy -- Early minimal intervention; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2015.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-7967

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to provide preliminary evidence on the efficacy of an early minimal cognitive-behavioural therapy for acute insomnia (mCBT-I) comorbid with cancer. Method: Thirty-eight patients (92% female; M age 57; all Caucasian) with various types of cancer and having insomnia symptoms for less than 6 months were randomized to a self-administered mCBT-I condition ( n = 20; 6 short booklets + 3 phone consultations with a psychologist, over 6 weeks) or a no-treatment condition ( n = 18). Measures were completed at pre-treatment and post-treatment, as well as at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Results: All sleep parameters and the average dosage of hypnotics were significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment among treated participants, but not in control participants. mCBT-I was also associated with a significantly greater reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms, maladaptive sleep habits, and erroneous beliefs about sleep, as well as with a significantly greater improvement of subjective cognitive functioning. A greater proportion of mCBT-I participants than controls met the criteria for a clinical remission at post-treatment. Therapeutic gains of mCBT-I were well sustained up to 6 months after the intervention. Conclusions: This study supports the efficacy of an early minimal CBT-I to treat acute insomnia comorbid with cancer. Highlights: Early minimal CBT for acute insomnia is efficacious among cancer patients. All sleep diary parameters were improved from pre- to post-treatment in the CBT group. Reductions were also obtained in hypnotic dosage, and levels of anxiety and depression. Therapeutic gains were well sustained up to 6 months after the intervention.