Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Sleep Issues in Schizophrenia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Sleep and Circadian Disturbances (CBT-I) in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Not applicable Interventional Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre · NCT06749444

This study tests if a special type of therapy for sleep problems can help people with schizophrenia who have trouble sleeping feel better and improve their overall quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorCopenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Glostrup, Denmark)
Trial IDNCT06749444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who also experience sleep disturbances. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either CBT-I focused on sleep issues or standard cognitive behavioral therapy addressing their overall psychopathology. The study will assess changes in sleep quality, psychotic symptoms, and quality of life over a 12-week period. The primary analysis will compare the outcomes between the two groups using repeated measure ANOVA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia or related psychoses who have persistent sleep difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients with recent psychiatric admissions or those with substance abuse issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve sleep quality and reduce psychotic symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in various populations, suggesting potential success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with ICD-10 schizophrenia (DF20), chronic paranoid psychosis (DF22), schizo-affective disorder (DF25) or other non-organic psychosis (DF28-DF29)
* Treatment resistance according to TRRIP criteria
* Sleeping difficulties (minimum duration 3 months)
* ISI score \>14
* Stable psychopharmacological treatment the last month
* Only legal competent patient can participant

Exclusion Criteria:

* Psychiatric admission last six months (more than 1 week or resulted in significant changes in psychopharmacological treatment)
* Substance abuse to a degree that will interfere with participation.
* Diagnoses of sleep apnea/CPAP use

Where this trial is running

Glostrup, Denmark

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Treatment-refractory SchizophreniaTreatment-resistant SchizophreniaCognitiveCBTTherapyInsomniapolysomnography
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.