Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Non-Rapid Eye Movement Parasomnias: Long-Term Outcomes and Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown

Matthias Laroche, Nazanin Biabani, Panagis Drakatos, Hugh Selsick, Guy Leschziner, Joerg Steier, Allan H. Young, Sofia Eriksson, Alexander Nesbitt, Veena Kumari, Ivana Rosenzweig, David O’Regan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated the efficacy of a novel Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme for the treatment of Non-Rapid Eye Movement Parasomnias (CBT-NREMP) in reducing NREM parasomnia events, insomnia and associated mood severities. Given the increased prevalence and worsening of sleep and affective disorders during the pandemic, we examined the sustainability of CBT-NREMP following the U.K.’s longest COVID-19 lockdown (6 January 2021–19 July 2021) by repeating the investigations via a mail survey in the same 46 patient cohort, of which 12 responded. The survey included validated clinical questionnaires relating to NREM parasomnia (Paris Arousal Disorder Severity Scale), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index) and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Patients also completed a targeted questionnaire (i.e., Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Questionnaire, ICLQ) to assess the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on NREM parasomnia severity, mental health, general well-being and lifestyle. Clinical measures of NREM parasomnia, insomnia, anxiety and depression remained stable, with no significant changes demonstrated in questionnaire scores by comparison to the previous investigatory period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic: p (ISI) = 1.0; p (HADS) = 0.816; p (PADSS) = 0.194. These findings support the longitudinal effectiveness of CBT-NREMP for up to three years following the clinical intervention, and despite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Original languageEnglish
Article number347
JournalBrain Sciences
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2023

Keywords

  • CBT
  • cognitive behavioural therapy
  • NREM parasomnia
  • parasomnia
  • treatment

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