Effect of White Noise Combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety and Depression Disorder among College Students: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Objective: With the increasing prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders among college students, effective treatment methods are in urgent need. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the effect of white noise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety and depression symptoms and related disorders in college students. Methods: A total of 110 eligible undergraduates with anxiety and depression disorders from Henan Medical College (identified from September 2022 to September 2024) were included in this retrospective analysis. The participants who received only CBT were classified into a CBT group (n = 50), and those who received white noise combined with CBT were categorized as the combined group (n = 60). The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score, coping style questionnaire (CSQ), and the Chinese version of the Beck scale for suicide ideation (BSI-CV) were used to assess the students before and after the 8-week treatment. Results: After the treatment, the combined group had lower SAS and SDS scores, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The combined group also scored lower in the seven components and total score of PSQI. In the CSQ, the combined group had significantly higher problem-solving and help-seeking scores and lower self-blame and withdrawal scores than the CBT group (P < 0.05). The BSI-CV scores (assessing suicidal ideation and suicidal tendency) in the combined group were also significantly lower than those in the CBT group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: Compared with CBT alone, white noise combined with CBT can effectively reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, improve sleep quality and coping styles, and reduce suicide ideation in college students with anxiety and depression disorders.