Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy and Social Support Intervention for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

Psychological problems are prevalent among patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The bi-directional interaction between psychological well-being and seizure have been recognized in recent years. Reduction of psychological stress has the potential to improve seizure manifestation.

The present study uses an assessor-blinded prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based psychotherapy and an attentional-placebo social support on improving psychological well-being, seizure control and cognitive performance among adult patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a diagnosis of epilepsy
• over 18 years of age
• resistant to pharmacological treatment according to the ILAE guideline
• no previous history of neurosurgery
• adequate level of reading and understanding ability to fill in questionnaires
• capable to communicate with the investigator with considerable expressive capacity
• patients who agree to cooperate with the study procedures required by the protocol
• patients who understand the nature of the study, agree to participate and sign the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• with primary diagnosis of substance use disorder, mood disorder, bipolar affective disorder, psychosis, or organic mental disorder
• with diagnosis of learning disability or mental retardation