World of Psychology

A recent study by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston concludes that chronic sleeplessness in adolescents is linked to many health problems, including those of a psychological nature. The study involved interviews with 3,134, 11 to 17 year old kids. More than twenty-five percent of the children had one or more symptom of insomnia and half had symptoms of chronic insomnia. An article published on ScienceDaily.com reported on the study in an article titled, “Adolescents with Chronic Insomnia Report ‘Twofold to Fivefold’ Increase in Personal Problems”.

“Insomnia is both common and chronic among adolescents,” wrote lead author Robert E. Roberts, Ph.D., a professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences at The University of Texas School of Public Health. “The data indicate that the burden of insomnia is comparable to that of other psychiatric disorders such as mood, anxiety, disruptive and substance abuse disorders. Chronic insomnia severely impacts future health and functioning of youths.”

Researchers went on to say that adolescents with insomnia are likely to seek medical attention and so the primary care physician would likely be an important instrument in the screening and treatment of insomnia.


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2 Comments to
“Chronic Insomnia linked to psychological problems in adolescents”

I’ve suffered from insomnia for quite some time. Going to bed is definitely something not tolook forward to nowadays. I found out on the Dietary supplement information bureau site for insomnia ( http://www.supplementinfo.org/insomnia ) that there’s this herb called Valerian that supposedly works very well for those who suffer from insomnia. I’m going to have to try it out.. I read in another study that melatonin supplements can actually decrease the body’s ability to produce it.

I wonder if the teens are the ones that seek medical help or if concern parents are the ones that make the difference.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 Mar 2008

 


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