The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia on neuropsychological performance in schizophrenia patients with insomnia: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the gold standard for insomnia, but its relative role in improving cognition has not been addressed. Hence, we aimed to study the effect of CBT-I on sleep quality, psychopathology, and neuropsychological performance in schizophrenia. Methods: Randomly allocated 40 right-handed schizophrenia patients with insomnia were delivered four sessions of weekly CBT-I. Pre-postassessments with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), AIIMS Comprehensive Neuropsychological Battery (AIIMS NCB), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) were done. Results: CBT-I had significant effects on PSQI, AIIMS NCB total and memory scores, WEMWBS, and GAF compared to the control group. Conclusion: In a subset of schizophrenia patients with insomnia, sleep-based interventions improve sleep quality and neuropsychological performance.