A Pilot Study on Adolescents With Depression and Insomnia: Qualitative Findings From Focus Groups

Abstract

Nonpharmacological treatments for insomnia in adolescents with depression are lacking. This qualitative study was a thematic analysis of the unique characteristics of and preferences for an insomnia treatment in a group of depressed adolescents. Fourteen adolescents with insomnia (age range = 14–19, mean = 17, SD ± 1.7; 71% female) and depression completed a 90-min focus group. Information was elicited about sleep disruptions, insomnia’s impact on mood, and preferences for insomnia treatments. Themes included poor daytime functioning affecting sleep, lack of benefit from sleep medication, and bedtime rumination. Most identified sleep diaries as a barrier to treatment regardless of mode of delivery. Participants also preferred an in-person therapy. Insomnia therapy in adolescents should consider the unique characteristics of depression. Larger studies are warranted.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We are thankful to the Flinn Foundation for their support of this research.