Insomnia in adolescents: Prevalence, help-seeking behaviors, and types of interventions

Ka Fai Chung; Katherine Ka Ki Kan; Wing Fai Yeung

doi:10.1111/camh.12009

Insomnia in adolescents: Prevalence, help-seeking behaviors, and types of interventions

Ka Fai Chung, Katherine Ka Ki Kan, Wing Fai Yeung

Research output: Journal article publication › Journal article › Academic research › peer-review

47 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the DSM-IV diagnosis of insomnia among adolescents. Their help-seeking behaviors and self-help strategies for insomnia remain largely unclear. Method: A cross-sectional, interview-based study of 290 Chinese adolescents. Results: The prevalence of insomnia symptoms was 40%, among which 9.3% had DSM-IV insomnia. Primary insomnia accounted for 7.9%, whereas insomnia associated with psychiatric disorders constituted 1.4%. Adolescents with DSM-IV insomnia had more severe and frequent insomnia, higher GHQ scores, and were more likely to have a history of sleep paralysis than those with insomnia symptoms alone. About 22% of adolescents with insomnia symptoms sought help and 32% attempted various strategies to improve sleep. Conclusions: Many adolescents were troubled by insomnia, but they seldom sought help from healthcare professionals or received proper treatments.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	57-63
Number of pages	7
Journal	Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Volume	19
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12009
Publication status	Published - 1 Feb 2014
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Adolescents
Chinese
Epidemiology
Insomnia
Prevalence
Treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
Psychiatry and Mental health

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1111/camh.12009

Cite this

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Insomnia in adolescents: Prevalence, help-seeking behaviors, and types of interventions

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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