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Third-wave psychotherapies to promote mental health in epilepsy: An updated systematic review.

Tina Makris, Diana S Dorstyn

Epilepsy & Behavior September 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108766 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed
Sample size 941
Population Adults with chronic epilepsy
Interventions Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy elements of both
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Keywords Behavior therapy Quality of life
Key findings Across 11 randomized trials, third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, or elements of both) generally outperformed wait-list or usual-care controls on mental health outcomes, but individual treatment responses varied widely (Hedges' g range -0.11 to 2.28). The authors conclude that these approaches may benefit some people with epilepsy but do not yield consistent results for everyone, and that patient diversity and preferences need to be factored into treatment design.

Abstract

Research on third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies has burgeoned over the last ten years. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of these therapies for people with epilepsy. This article provides an up-to-date review of the current evidence-base. Following protocol registration (PROSPERO CRD42021269882), two reviewers searched six databases (from inception until 1 March 2022) for mindfulness and acceptance interventions targeted at mental health in adults with epilepsy. The reporting quality of included studies was rated (QualSyst tool) and standardized mean group differences (Hedges' g) with 95% confidence intervals and p values calculated. Results were narratively synthesized based on therapy characteristics and mental health outcome. Eleven randomized controlled trials, involving 941 adults with chronic epilepsy, were included. All studies were of sound methodological quality. Third-wave therapies were typically delivered in a group format although varied in their face-to-face, telephone, and online learning options. Programs evaluating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, or elements of both, outperformed wait-listed controls or usual care, although individual variability in treatment response was evident (grange = -0.11-2.28). Acceptance techniques and mindfulness practice may bring mental health benefits for some people living with epilepsy, but do not have consistent results for everyone. Patient diversity and preferences need to be factored into effective third-wave approaches for this cohort.

Comparable studies

Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations 2014 Meta-analysis n = 3,515
Research Review: The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents – a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Children and adolescents 2018 Systematic review and meta-analysis n = 3,666
Therapeutic effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review of modern‐era clinical studies Patients with cancer- or illness-related anxiety and depression, major depressive... 2020 Systematic review n = 188
Does Mindfulness Meditation Improve Anxiety and Mood Symptoms? A Review of the Controlled Research Clinical populations with medical and emotional disorders 2007 Systematic review n = 15
Antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects of ayahuasca, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): a systematic review of clinical trials published in the last 25 years Patients from included clinical trials 2016 Systematic review

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