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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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 Mar 2008
Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.
Bechdel, J. (2008). Chronic Insomnia linked to psychological problems in adolescents. Psych Central. Retrieved on February 14, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/03/30/chronic-insomnia-linked-to-psychological-problems-in-adolescents/
