Paradoxical intention in the treatment of chronic insomnia: six case studies illustrating variability in therapeutic response.

Journal article

The relatively small behavioural literature available contains a number of encouraging reports evidencing the effectiveness of paradoxical intention therapy as a treatment for sleep onset insomnia. This present paper contributes a further six case studies of chronic insomniacs, referred for treatment within the context of a major treatment comparison study, who were randomly allocated to receive paradoxical intention. Therapy typically lasted for 8 weeks, consisting of two 4-week phases, the first of which involved a counterdemand manipulation designed to control for demand and expectancy factors. Considerable variability in response to therapy was observed, with 3 patients obtaining a rapid reduction in sleep onset latency while the sleep pattern of the 3 other Ss was significantly exacerbated. Although 1 S from this latter group did improve after several weeks treatment, the other 2 Ss were ultimately successfully treated with progressive relaxation training having been unable to persevere with paradoxical intention. These results are discussed with reference to previous research and the consideration of individual patient characteristics. © 1985.

Authors: Espie, C; Lindsay, W

• Journal: Behaviour research and therapy
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 703-709
• Publication date: 1985-01-01
• DOI: 10.1016/0005-7967(85)90070-1
• EISSN: 1873-622X
• ISSN: 0005-7967
• Language: English
• Keywords: Humans; Male; Behavior Therapy; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Relaxation Therapy