CBT-I Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. A Recommended First Line Treatment for Insomnia

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses CBT-I or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. This is a first line recommendation for the treatment of insomnia, and seeking this type of treatment may prevent individuals from needing anxiolytics or sedatives (which have abuse potential and can cause a physiological dependence). CBT-I is typically a 6-8 session course (lasting much shorter a time-period than traditional psychotherapy). Individuals learn cognitive interventions/ restructuring, behavioral modifications and skills (like meditation, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, stimulus control) and psycho-education, learning how thoughts and feelings can contribute to their difficulties with sleep, and how to utilize that knowledge to improve their symptoms. It is not uncommon for individuals to have anxiety about their insomnia, and working on that anxiety, can be extremely beneficial as well.

Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.

These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.

Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

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www.RittenhousePA.com
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