CFT psychoed and LKM for CYP with epilepsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Compassion Focussed Therapy informed psychoeducation and Loving Kindness Meditation for children and young people with Epilepsy
IRAS ID
353407
Contact name
Nima Moghaddam
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lincoln
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
It has frequently been shown that people with long term physical health conditions, like epilepsy, are more likely to have mental health conditions. Studies have shown people with epilepsy report high levels of shame, stress, social isolation and anxiety. Mental health interventions for people with epilepsy, particularly children, has been identified as an area for further research by the NHS.
Compassion based interventions have been effective with people with long term physical health conditions. These interventions aim to develop an individual’s compassion towards the self and others in response to self-criticism or shame. This study aims to explore whether Compassion Focussed Therapy informed psychoeducation and Loving Kindness Meditation is a feasible and effective intervention for children with epilepsy.
Children and young people aged 12-17 years old who have a diagnosis of epilepsy and mild/moderate distress related to their health condition are eligible. Local clinicians in epilepsy services will be asked to identify potential participants. Up to six children/young people will be included in the study.
Participants will complete outcomes measures (about their quality of life, mood and self-compassion) weekly before the intervention, for up to five weeks, and then weekly until the end of the intervention. The intervention will be three sessions with the lead researcher, conducted online via Microsoft teams. Participants will then have four weeks to practice Loving Kindness Meditation. They will then have a follow up session about how they found the intervention, what was helpful and what they would change.
The results from the study will indicate whether Compassion Focussed Therapy and Loving Kindness Meditation is a beneficial therapeutic intervention for children with epilepsy and if further research in the area is warranted.REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EM/0153
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion