App-based insomnia therapy found to cut depression rate among Hong Kong youth

A digital version of a common therapy for insomnia has helped to lower the incidence rate of depression in young people by more than 40 per cent, an Asia-first study carried out in Hong Kong and mainland China has found.

The study, jointly conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s faculty of medicine and Peking University (PKU) Sixth Hospital, was the first clinical research in Asia that looked into digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia among young people.

Professor Wing Yun-kwok, chairman of the faculty’s department of psychiatry, said on Thursday that studies over the past 10 years had shown depression and insomnia were interrelated.

“Depression patients may have insomnia. Patients with chronic insomnia face two- to threefold risks of having depression,” he said.

Wing said mobile apps that provided digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-I) for insomnia could fill existing gaps in mental health services for young people.

“Young people with mental health issues may be hesitant in seeking help. Even if they do seek help, they may need to wait for a long time for a consultation with a doctor,” he said.