As practitioners dedicated to creating optimal outcomes for children, understanding the multifaceted nature of mental health concerns is paramount. A recent qualitative exploratory study titled "Understanding Problems With Sleep, Sexual Functioning, Energy, and Appetite Among Patients Who Access Transdiagnostic Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression" provides valuable insights that can enhance our practice, particularly in the realm of online therapy services.
In this study, Eysenbach et al. (2020) examined the prevalence and nature of sleep, sexual functioning, energy, and appetite concerns among patients undergoing transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (T-ICBT) for anxiety and depression. The research found that a significant majority of patients reported issues in these areas, with sleep problems being the most common (73.4%), followed by energy/motivation (69.3%), appetite/weight changes (57.4%), and sexual dysfunction (30.1%).
For practitioners, these findings highlight several critical points:
- Prevalence of Sleep Problems: Practitioners should be vigilant in assessing sleep issues among their clients. The study found that most clients reported difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, which can significantly impact overall mental health.
- Energy and Motivation: A notable percentage of clients experienced low energy and motivation. This emphasizes the need for incorporating strategies within T-ICBT that specifically target these symptoms, such as behavioral activation and energy management techniques.
- Appetite and Weight Changes: Changes in appetite and weight were common among the participants. Practitioners should consider including nutritional guidance and weight management strategies as part of the therapeutic process.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Although less common, sexual dysfunction was still a significant concern. This area may require more focused assessment and intervention strategies to address effectively.
The study also underscores the importance of ongoing symptom monitoring and the potential need to expand screening measures to include detailed assessments of sleep, energy, appetite, and sexual functioning. Enhancing these measures can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a client's progress and help tailor interventions more effectively.
Incorporating these insights into practice can lead to more holistic and effective treatment plans. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with current research and consider these findings when developing and refining their therapeutic approaches.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Understanding Problems With Sleep, Sexual Functioning, Energy, and Appetite Among Patients Who Access Transdiagnostic Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression: Qualitative Exploratory Study.
