Abstract
Introduction
Early termination (i.e., dropout) from cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) likely attenuates benefits and may reduce motivation for future treatment. The aim of the current study was to identify characteristics of participants who dropped out of CBT-I in an RCT of combined treatment for depression and insomnia.
Methods
Participants were 148 adults with comorbid insomnia and depression diagnoses (73% female; M age = 46.6[SD = 12.6]) who were randomly assigned to receive depression pharmacotherapy plus 7 weekly sessions of CBT-I (n = 73) or a credible control therapy for insomnia (n = 75). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses were performed to determine which participant characteristics (i.e., demographics, baseline depression and sleep variables) predicted dropout at session 4 (i.e., minimum dose) and session 7 (i.e., full course of CBT-I).
Results
Early termination (prior to session 4) rate was 28% and ROC analyses indicated participants aged 36 or less were more likely to drop out than those older than 36 (49% vs. 22%). The model did not identify additional predictors for either of the two age categories. Overall termination (prior to session 7) rate was 45% and ROC analyses indicated participants aged 46 or less were more likely to drop out than those older than 46 (61% vs. 34%). The model further found that among participants aged 46 or less, those with less than 14y education were at greater risk for dropout than those with greater than 14y education (79% vs. 46%). No other demographic, depression, or sleep variables were significant predictors of dropout.
Conclusion
Age was associated with elevated rate of dropout from CBT-I among individuals with co-occurring depression and insomnia. It appears that the combination of younger age and lower education level is particularly detrimental to treatment engagement. Better understanding of factors that contribute to dropout from CBT-I in this vulnerable group can guide development of retention strategies.
Support
MH078924, MH078961, MH079256
Application of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Comparison of Combined Treatment, and CPAP Therapy on Executive Functions of the Brain
