P052 Treatment preferences and help seeking behaviours of Australian adults with insomnia symptoms

INTRODUCTION: Clinical guidelines for the treatment of insomnia recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) as the first-line treatment, ideally provided by a psychologist. However, previous research shows most people with insomnia are not referred to a psychologist, and many are prescribed sedative-hypnotic medicines. This study surveyed people seeking treatment for insomnia to better understand their help-seeking behaviours and treatment preferences. METHODS: A total of 745 Australian adults seeking treatment for insomnia (Age M = 54.46, SD = 13.39, 69% female) completed an online survey about sleeping difficulties, help seeking behaviours, and treatment preferences. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores of 15+ were used to identify people with chronic insomnia. Open ended questions allowed participants to provide detailed qualitative information. Content analysis was used to analyse these data. RESULTS: Preliminary findings show 64% of participants with insomnia discussed sleep with their GP in the past year but only 16% received a referral to a psychologist or CBTi (7%). Reasons for not seeing a psychologist include GP had not referred (43%) and cost concerns (25%). Only 13% of participants who selected CBTi as their preferred treatment had been able to access this treatment. DISCUSSION: Most people in Australia who are seeking treatment for insomnia discuss sleep with their GP, but do not receive a referral to a psychologist. Understanding the help seeking behaviours and treatment preferences of people with insomnia symptoms will help identify barriers in the management of insomnia, and ensure more people have access to evidence-based treatment.