Mindfulness Therapies in the Management of Epilepsy
Date
2021
Authors
Makris, Tina
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Thesis
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Abstract
Purpose/Objective: Mental health comorbidities are frequent and severe for people with
epilepsy. Although psychological interventions, such as mindfulness, have been piloted
questions about their effectiveness and potential adverse effects of regular mindful
practice remain. This review provides an up-to-date evaluation of controlled research in
this area.
Methods: The Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were
searched for mindfulness studies that evaluated psychological outcomes in adults with
epilepsy. The reporting quality of retrieved studies was assessed (QualSyst tool) and
standardised mean group differences (Hedges’ g), with 95% confidence intervals and p
values calculated. The results were narratively synthesised.
Results: Eight randomised controlled trials (Nparticipants= 783), primarily involving adults
with generalised onset seizures, were included. All studies had sound methodological
quality. A combination of group and individual mindfulness therapies delivered face-toface,
via telephone and/or online, were examined. Medium to very large gains across
psychological outcomes were associated with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (grange= 2.417 to 0.232, p <.05). Continued
improvements in quality of life were reported at 12-month follow-up (grange= .269 to
1.58). Although no adverse effects of mindfulness were noted, these data were not
routinely reported (Nstudies= 3).
Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence to suggest that mindfulness can bring
positive psychological effects for people living with epilepsy. Future controlled trials are
needed to clarify the facilitating effects of mindfulness therapies in the seizure process
as well as practical issues surrounding their implementation and delivery across clinical
settings.
School/Discipline
School of Psychology
Dissertation Note
Thesis (M.Psych(Clinical)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2021
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