Compassion Focussed Therapy Informed Psychoeducation and Loving Kindness Meditation for Young Peo… (NCT07265362) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Compassion Focussed Therapy Informed Psychoeducation and Loving Kindness Meditation for Young People With Epilepsy
United Kingdom3 participantsStarted 2026-01
Plain-language 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.
Who can participate
Age range
12 Years – 17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 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 Criteria:
* 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.
* Currently receiving any other mental health treatment in order to reduce extraneous variables from other mental health treatment.
* Current report of self-harming behaviours as the research cannot monitor or manage risk.
* 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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Idiographic shame and self-compassion measures
Timeframe: Weekly from baseline to end of intervnetion (13 to 15 weeks depending on randomly allocated baseline length)