Anxiety and Depression in Youth with Epilepsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experience Sampling Methodology Study of Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents with Epilepsy: The Role of Metacognitive Beliefs and Perseverative Thinking
IRAS ID
291633
Contact name
Peter Fisher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 12 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Adolescents with epilepsy frequently report experiencing anxiety and depression. Current psychological interventions for adolescents with epilepsy only have modest effects. There is clearly room for improvement and the development of effective psychological interventions for anxiety and depression in adolescents with epilepsy is a clinical priority. In order to develop such interventions, we first need to develop a better understanding of the psychological processes involved in the development and maintenance of anxiety and depression in adolescents with epilepsy. We already know that perseverative thinking (i.e. worry and rumination) plays an important role in the development and maintenance of anxiety and depression, so we want to try to develop a better understanding of why people engage in perseverative thinking. In this study, we will examine anxiety and depression in adolescents with epilepsy using a method known as experience sampling methodology (ESM). This involves participants completing a short assessment on their smartphones about anxiety, depression, and perseverative thinking (ie. worry and rumination) for 10 days.Summary of Results
Positive and negative metacognitive beliefs were significantly positively associated with worry and rumination, and anxiety and depression. After controlling for worry and rumination, respectively, metacognitive beliefs did not account for additional variance in anxiety or depression. Findings provide support for the utility of the S-REF model for emotional distress in young people with epilepsy. Metacognitive therapy may be an appropriate intervention for emotional distress in young people with epilepsy.REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
21/WA/0072
Date of REC Opinion
13 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion