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Using data from 1721 participants in a community-based randomized control trial of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia compared with patient education, we employed linear mixed modelling analyses to examine whether chronotype moderated the benefits of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia on self-reported levels of insomnia severity, fatigue and psychological distress. Baseline self-ratings on the reduced version of the Horne-Östberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire were used to categorize the sample into three chronotypes: morning type (n = 345; 20%); intermediate type (n = 843; 49%); and evening type (n = 524; 30%). Insomnia Severity Index, Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were assessed pre- and post-intervention (9 weeks). For individuals with self-reported morning or intermediate chronotypes, digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia was superior to patient education on all ratings (Insomnia Severity Index, Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at follow-up (p-values ≤ 0.05). For individuals with self-reported evening chronotype, digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia was superior to patient education for Insomnia Severity Index and Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, but not on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p = 0.139). There were significant differences in the treatment effects between the three chronotypes on the Insomnia Severity Index (p = 0.023) estimated difference between evening and morning type of -1.70, 95% confidence interval: -2.96 to -0.45, p = 0.008, and estimated difference between evening and intermediate type -1.53, 95% confidence interval: -3.04 to -0.03, p = 0.046. There were no significant differences in the treatment effects between the three chronotypes on the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (p = 0.488) or the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p = 0.536). We conclude that self-reported chronotype moderates the effects of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia on insomnia severity, but not on psychological distress or fatigue.

AimSymptoms of bipolar disorder (BD) include changes in mood, activity, energy, sleep, and appetite. Since many of these processes are regulated by circadian function, circadian rhythm disturbance has been examined as a biological feature underlying BD. The International Society for Bipolar Disorders Chronobiology Task Force (CTF) was commissioned to review evidence for neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms pertinent to BD.MethodDrawing upon expertise in animal models, biomarkers, physiology, and behavior, CTF analyzed the relevant cross-disciplinary literature to precisely frame the discussion around circadian rhythm disruption in BD, highlight key findings, and for the first time integrate findings across levels of analysis to develop an internally consistent, coherent theoretical framework.ResultsEvidence from multiple sources implicates the circadian system in mood regulation, with corresponding associations with BD diagnoses and mood-related traits reported across genetic, cellular, physiological, and behavioral domains. However, circadian disruption does not appear to be specific to BD and is present across a variety of high-risk, prodromal, and syndromic psychiatric disorders. Substantial variability and ambiguity among the definitions, concepts and assumptions underlying the research have limited replication and the emergence of consensus findings.ConclusionsFuture research in circadian rhythms and its role in BD is warranted. Well-powered studies that carefully define associations between BD-related and chronobiologically-related constructs, and integrate across levels of analysis will be most illuminating.

Sleep and circadian rhythms disturbances (SCRD) in young people at high risk or with early onset of bipolar disorders (BD) are poorly understood. We systematically searched for studies of self, observer or objective estimates of SCRD in asymptomatic or symptomatic offspring of parents with BD (OSBD), individuals with presentations meeting recognised BD-at-risk criteria (BAR) and youth with recent onset of full-threshold BD (FT-BD). Of 76 studies eligible for systematic review, 35 (46%) were included in random effects meta-analyses. Pooled analyses of self-ratings related to circadian rhythms demonstrated greater preference for eveningness and more dysregulation of social rhythms in BAR and FT-BD groups; analyses of actigraphy provided some support for these findings. Meta-analysis of prospective studies showed that pre-existing SCRD were associated with a 40% increased risk of onset of BD, but heterogeneity in assessments was a significant concern. Overall, we identified longer total sleep time (Hedges g: 0.34; 95% confidence intervals:.1, .57), especially in OSBD and FT-BD and meta-regression analysis indicated the effect sizes was moderated by the proportion of any sample manifesting psychopathology or receiving psychotropic medications. This evolving field of research would benefit from greater attention to circadian rhythm as well as sleep quality measures.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is highly prevalent in outpatients receiving treatment for mental disorders. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a recommended first-line intervention. However, access is limited and most patients with insomnia who are receiving mental healthcare services are treated using medication. This multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) examines additional benefits of a digital adaptation of CBT-I (dCBT-I), compared with an online control intervention of patient education about insomnia (PE), in individuals referred to secondary mental health clinics. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A parallel group, superiority RCT with a target sample of 800 participants recruited from treatment waiting lists at Norwegian psychiatric services. Individuals awaiting treatment will receive an invitation to the RCT, with potential participants undertaking online screening and consent procedures. Eligible outpatients will be randomised to dCBT-I or PE in a 1:1 ratio. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 9 weeks after completion of baseline assessments (post-intervention assessment), 33 weeks after baseline (6 months after the post-intervention assessment) and 61 weeks after baseline (12 months after the post-intervention assessment). The primary outcome is between-group difference in insomnia severity 9 weeks after baseline. Secondary outcomes include between-group differences in levels of psychopathology, and measures of health and functioning 9 weeks after baseline. Additionally, we will test between-group differences at 6-month and 12-month follow-up, and examine any negative effects of the intervention, any changes in mental health resource use, and/or in functioning and prescription of medications across the duration of the study. Other exploratory analyses are planned. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics in Norway (Ref: 125068). Findings from the RCT will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and advocacy and stakeholder groups. Exploratory analyses, including potential mediators and moderators, will be reported separately from main outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04621643); Pre-results.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is a major public health concern. While cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is acknowledged as the best available intervention, there are unanswered questions about its wider dissemination, socioeconomic benefits and its impact on health resource utilisation. The aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate the effectiveness of a fully automated online version of CBT-I compared with online patient education about sleep (PE). Outcome measures comprise changes in symptoms of insomnia, time off work due to sick leave as well as medication and health resource utilisation. Also, we will examine (i) putative mediators of the effects of CBT-I on insomnia severity and (ii) selected potential psycho-bio-social moderators of the effects of the interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A parallel-group RCT will be conducted in a target sample of about 1500 adults recruited across Norway. Participants will complete an online screening and consent process. Those who meet eligibility criteria will be randomised to receive direct access to fully automated online CBT-I or to an online PE programme. The primary outcome is change in insomnia severity immediately postintervention; secondary outcomes are change in daytime functioning and other sleep measures postintervention and at 6-month and 24-month follow-up. Objective data from national registries will be obtained at two time points (1 year and 2 years post-treatment), allowing a mirror image study of preintervention and postintervention rates of sick leave, and of medication and healthcare utilisation by condition. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics in South East Norway (2015/134). Findings from the RCT will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Exploratory analyses of potential mediators and moderators will be reported separately. User-friendly outputs will be disseminated to patient advocacy and other relevant organisations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02558647; Pre-results.

Depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are three of the four most burdensome problems in people aged under 25 years. In psychosis and depression, psychological interventions are effective, low-risk, and high-benefit approaches for patients at high risk of first-episode or early-onset disorders. We review the use of psychological interventions for early-stage bipolar disorder in patients aged 15-25 years. Because previous systematic reviews had struggled to identify information about this emerging sphere of research, we used evidence mapping to help us identify the extent, distribution, and methodological quality of evidence because the gold standard approaches were only slightly informative or appropriate. This strategy identified 29 studies in three target groups: ten studies in populations at high risk for bipolar disorder, five studies in patients with a first episode, and 14 studies in patients with early-onset bipolar disorder. Of the 20 completed studies, eight studies were randomised trials, but only two had sample sizes of more than 100 individuals. The main interventions used were family, cognitive behavioural, and interpersonal therapies. Only behavioural family therapies were tested across all of our three target groups. Although the available interventions were well adapted to the level of maturity and social environment of young people, few interventions target specific developmental psychological or physiological processes (eg, ruminative response style or delayed sleep phase), or offer detailed strategies for the management of substance use or physical health.