Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Insomnia and Depressive Symptoms among Menopausal Women

Ghattas, Violet Nicola; Hammad, Heba Abdel-Hamid; Mohamed Mostafa, Basma Taher Abdelwahab; Ibrahim, Hanan Ibrahim

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2024.406192

Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Insomnia and Depressive Symptoms among Menopausal Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt.

² Lecturer of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Damnhour University, Egypt.

³ Lecturer of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damnhour University, Egypt.

⁴ Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecologic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt

10.21608/tsnj.2024.406192

Abstract

Background: Menopause, a unique period in a woman's existence, characterized by
physical and psychological symptoms, often leads to insomnia and depression, negatively
impacting health, daily activities, and quality of life. Implementing cognitive behavioral
therapy during such a period can improve these symptoms and enhance the wellbeing of
menopausal women. Aim of the study: Investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral
therapy on insomnia and depressive symptoms among menopausal women. Design: This
study used a quasi-experimental research design. Setting: This study was carried out at the
gynecologic outpatient clinic of Damanhour Medical Institute, Egypt. Subjects: 60
menopausal women; the women were attributed to the study (n = 30) and control groups (n
= 30). Tools: The researchers used three tools to obtain the data that was needed; tool I:
structured interview schedule, and tool II: Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression
Scale (CES-D), tool III: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results: The variation in the
control and study groups' levels of depression and insomnia after the cognitive behavioral
therapy intervention was statistically significant. Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral
therapy can effectively improve insomnia and depressive symptoms among menopausal
women. Recommendation: Nurses should receive cognitive behaviour therapy as part of
their nursing care plan, since it is advised as an effective intervention