CBT-I in Adolescents With ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affecting individuals across the lifespan. While the core symptoms of ADHD are well-documented, emerging research has shed light on the prevalence of comorbid sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia, among adolescents with ADHD. The co-occurrence of ADHD and insomnia can exacerbate cognitive and emotional difficulties, impacting various aspects of daily functioning. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has proven effective in addressing sleep-related difficulties in various populations. However, there is a paucity of research specifically examining the efficacy of CBT-I in adolescents with ADHD. To date, there was only one pilot single-arm sleep intervention study conducted in adolescents with ADHD (Becker et al., 2021) and one randomized controlled trial of sleep intervention in adolescents with ADHD that is still undergoing data collection (Keuppens et al., 2023). Given the lack of research on the intervention for insomnia in the context of ADHD, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CBT-I on adolescents with ADHD in insomnia symptoms, sleep related cognitions and practices, ADHD severity, emotion regulation ability, and depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria: Adolescents aged 11-18 years old meeting the following inclusion criteria were invited to take part in the present study: 1. Having a clinical diagnosis of ADHD made by health care professionals (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or educational psychologist) based on self-report; 2. a DSM-5 diagnosis of insomnia disorder, and a score on ISI ≥ 9 (suggested cut-off for adolescents) (Chung et al., 2011); 3. Those who agreed to keep the same dosage of medication throughout the study up till completion of follow up assessments. Exclusion Criteria: Adolescents were excluded if they met any of the following criteria: 1. A current diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence; a current or past history of manic or hypomanic episode, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, autism spectrum disorders, organic mental disorders, or intellectual disabilities; 2. Having a prominent medical condition known to interfere with sleep continuity and quality (e.g. severe eczema, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease); 3. Having a clinically diagnosed sleep disorder that may potentially contribute to a disruption in sleep continuity and quality, such as narcolepsy, sleep-disordered breathing, and restless leg syndrome, based on self-reported medical history; 4. On an optimal dosage of psychostimulant or nonstimulant ADHD medications for less than a month; 5. Concurrent, regular use of psychotropic medications(s) known to affect sleep continuity and quality (e.g. hypnotics, steroids), except for the use of psychostimulant medication for ADHD; 6. Receiving ongoing pharmacological and psychological treatment for insomnia; 7. With hearing or speech deficit.