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Solving the Problem of Insomnia in Clinical Practice
Adrienne F Willard1, Allison H Ferris2
1Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 28, 2020
Summary
Insomnia affects half of all people, with effective psychological and medication treatments available. Physicians should guide patients in choosing the best approach for managing chronic insomnia.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Insomnia is a prevalent condition impacting roughly 50% of individuals.
- Chronic insomnia presents significant short-term and long-term health risks.
- Physicians require expertise in diagnosing and managing insomnia in outpatient settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment modalities for insomnia.
- To emphasize the importance of a shared decision-making model in insomnia management.
- To equip healthcare providers with knowledge for effective patient guidance.
Main Methods:
- Review of psychological interventions for insomnia.
- Analysis of pharmacologic treatments for insomnia.
- Discussion of risks and benefits associated with insomnia medications.
Main Results:
- Psychological treatments are the preferred first-line approach for insomnia.
- Pharmacologic options are effective when behavioral therapies are insufficient.
- Understanding treatment options facilitates patient engagement.
Conclusions:
- Effective treatments for insomnia, including behavioral and pharmacologic options, are available.
- Shared decision-making is crucial for tailoring insomnia treatment to individual patient needs.
- Physician preparedness is key to addressing the common complaint of insomnia.
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