Compassion-based sessions and meditation for young people with epilepsy
Tests compassion-focused sessions and loving kindness meditation in teenagers with epilepsy and distress.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Compassion Focussed Therapy Informed Psychoeducation and Loving Kindness Meditation for Young People With Epilepsy
Key facts
- Where
- Lincoln, United KingdomSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 12 and 17 years old?
Source: NCT07265362, who can take part
Where in United Kingdom
- University of LincolnLincoln, United KingdomNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Lincoln
- Trial code
- NCT07265362
- Record updated
- 4 December 2025
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Compassion Focussed Therapy Informed Psychoeducation and Loving Kindness Meditation for Children and Young People With Epilepsy
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.
Inclusion: 12-17 years old; Have a diagnosis of epilepsy. This is to be confirmed by the recruiting professional who will confirm via the participant's medical records; Currently showing or reporting mild-moderate psychological distress: including anxiety, low mood or stress, in relation to their health condition, as identified by local clinicians recruiting to study; Have access to a computer/internet enabled electronic device e.g. a tablet or mobile phone; English speaker to a standard sufficient to participate in verbal communication without an interpreter.
Exclusion: Currently receiving any other mental health treatment in order to reduce extraneous variables from other mental health treatment; Severe psychological distress e.g. depression, psychosis or an eating disorder, as this is likely to require specialist psychological support; Seizures are due to Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder; Presence of an Intellectual Disability. As this is a time limited intervention with a set protocol, there will not be opportunity to make adaptations to the intervention. Consistency across the participants is important to show any effect of the intervention; Current report of self-harming behaviours as the research cannot monitor or manage risk.