The Effectiveness of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Improving Psychological Symptoms among Patients with Insomnia and Depression

Background: The most effective treatment for severe depression and sleeplessness is
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In order to make CBT more accessible, new digital
approaches have been developed that combine technology tools such as emails, smartphone
apps, or internet-guided treatment. Aime: To evaluate the effectiveness of digital cognitive
behavioral therapy (DCBT) in improving psychological symptoms among patients with
insomnia and depression. Research Design: Quasi experimental research design was utilized
online. Setting: The participants were recruited from Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic in Zagazig
hospital affiliated to Zagazig University, Egypt. Subjects: A total 300 patients voluntarily
participated. Tools: Three tools were used; Structured Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep
Quality Index (PSQI) scale to assess patients' sleep status and Patient Health Questionnaire
(PHQ) were used to assess mental health screening of patients. Results: 81% of studied
patients had good sleep quality post Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index 89% &82% respectively
of them had decreased their insomnia & depression post cognitive behavioral therapy with
highly statistically significant difference at p=<.001. Conclusion: DCBT seems to be
effective in alleviating insomnia and depression; marked improvement of patients; that digital
cognitive behavioral therapy (DCBT) was effective and had long-term benefits in patients
with insomnia, depression and changes in sleep quality. Recommendation: Continued
research and evaluation are needed to further investigate the effectiveness of DCBT in
improving psychological symptoms among patients with insomnia and depression.