Smartphone-Based Mood-Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia to Reduce Depression in Adolescents Aged 12 to 18

What this Trial Is About

Adolescents with depression and insomnia often face challenges in treatment, and this research explores ways to improve their outcomes. The study compares two types of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia CBT-I a mood-enhanced version M-dCBT-I and a standard version dCBT-I. The goal is to see how each affects depressive symptoms and mood over time in adolescents aged 12 to 18 who have both insomnia and depression. This study aims to fill a gap in knowledge about how sleep-focused treatments might influence depression in young people. Participants will receive either the standard digital CBT-I, which includes education about sleep and strategies like stimulus control and relaxation techniques, or the mood-enhanced version that adds behavioral activation and problem-solving components targeting depression. Both treatments are delivered digitally over eight weeks in modules designed for adolescents, with special attention to sleep patterns typical in this age group, such as social jetlag and circadian rhythm delays. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated at the start, after the 8-week treatment, and again at 6 and 12 months. Researchers will assess depressive symptoms using questionnaires like the PHQ-9 and clinician ratings, as well as insomnia severity, sleep patterns, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and quality of life. This thorough follow-up will help understand the lasting effects of each therapy on mood and sleep in adolescents at risk of depression.

Digital Mood-enhanced CBT-I to Improve Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents