Introducing the First FDA-authorized Prescription Digital Therapeutic for Chronic Insomnia

Over 30 million Americans live with diagnosable chronic insomnia. It can impair their everyday functions when awake and affect their mood. Chronic insomnia is also a risk factor for other chronic illnesses and psychiatric disorders (up to 40% also have depressive symptoms).

Existing pharmacological treatments are designed for short-term use, which may not be enough to combat a long-term illness. In this Mental Health Minute, Yuri Maricich, MD introduces Somryst, the first FDA-authorized prescription digital therapeutic (PDT) for treating chronic insomnia. It is a 9-week program that is accessible through mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. He discusses two studies on the effectiveness of this new PDT.

(Note: in the video, Dr Maricich says that the FDA authorized Somryst in 2023. The FDA authorized it in 2020.)