Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Compassion Focussed Therapy Informed Psychoeducation and Loving Kindness Meditation for Young People With Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy can be tough, and many young people with the condition also experience feelings like stress, anxiety, or loneliness. This study wants to find out if a special type of support called 'Compassion Focussed Therapy' combined with 'Loving Kindness Meditation' can help. The idea is to teach young people (aged 12-17) how to be kinder to themselves and others, which might help them cope with worries about their epilepsy. Participants will have online sessions and practice meditation for a few weeks. The aim is to see if these tools can improve their mood, quality of life, and overall wellbeing, and if more research should be done in this area to help more young people.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Lincoln

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Epilepsy Mental Health Children

What is this study about?

For many young people living with epilepsy, it's not just about managing seizures; it can also affect how they feel mentally. Studies show that people with long-term health conditions like epilepsy often experience feelings of stress, anxiety, or even shame. Living with a condition that others might not understand can sometimes lead to feeling isolated or different. The NHS recognises that more support is needed in this area, especially for children and teenagers with epilepsy.

This study is looking into a gentle approach called 'Compassion Focussed Therapy' alongside 'Loving Kindness Meditation'. These aren't medicines, but rather ways of training your mind. Compassion Focussed Therapy aims to help people be more understanding and kind towards themselves, especially when they're being self-critical or feeling down. Loving Kindness Meditation involves focusing on warm, kind feelings towards yourself and others. These types of support have shown promise in helping people with other long-term health conditions.

The main goal of this study is to see if combining these two approaches can be helpful and practical for young people with epilepsy. It will help researchers understand if these methods improve their mood, how they see themselves, and their overall quality of life. The results will help decide if more extensive research is needed to make these helpful tools available to more young people with epilepsy.

Key takeaways

A study for young people (12-17) with epilepsy.
Explores 'Compassion Focussed Therapy' and 'Loving Kindness Meditation'.
Aims to help with stress, anxiety, and self-criticism related to epilepsy.
Involves online sessions and meditation practice for several weeks.
Could help improve mood, self-compassion, and quality of life.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 12 and 17 years old who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. It's important that their epilepsy diagnosis is confirmed by a healthcare professional.

To join, you should also be experiencing some mild to moderate feelings of worry, low mood, or stress that are linked to your epilepsy. You'll need to have access to a computer or another device like a tablet or mobile phone with internet access, as the sessions will be online. You'll also need to be able to speak English well enough to take part in conversations without an interpreter.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a learning disability, are currently receiving other mental health treatment, are severely depressed, have an eating disorder, or are self-harming, this study might not be suitable for you. This is because the study is set up in a specific way and cannot provide the kind of specialist support that these situations might need.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 17 years old?
Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy?
Are you feeling a bit anxious, stressed, or low due to your epilepsy?
Do you have access to a computer or smart device for online calls?
Can you understand and speak English well enough for conversations?
Are you currently NOT receiving other mental health treatment (like therapy)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you participate in this study, you will first need to complete some questionnaires about your quality of life, mood, and how kind you are to yourself. You'll do these weekly for up to five weeks before the main part of the study begins. Then, you'll have three online sessions with the lead researcher, using Microsoft Teams. These sessions will teach you about Compassion Focussed Therapy.

After these sessions, you'll have four weeks to practice 'Loving Kindness Meditation' on your own. During this entire period, you'll continue to complete the weekly questionnaires until the end of the intervention. Finally, you'll have one more online session to talk about your experience, what you found helpful, and any suggestions you might have. The total time you're involved in the study, including the preparation, sessions, practice, and follow-up, will be around 10-12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some potential benefits, such as learning new ways to manage stress, improve your mood, and develop self-compassion, which might help you feel better about living with epilepsy. There are no known physical risks associated with this type of therapy and meditation. However, talking about your feelings might sometimes bring up difficult emotions. The researchers will be supportive throughout the process. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Lincoln
Verified postcode
Lincoln, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Compassion Focussed Therapy?

It's a type of talking support that helps you develop kindness and understanding towards yourself and others, especially when you're feeling down or self-critical.

What is Loving Kindness Meditation?

It's a calming practice where you focus on sending warm, kind, and loving thoughts to yourself and others.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses on mental exercises and techniques.

How long will the online sessions be?

The information doesn't specify the exact length of each session, but there will be three main sessions with the researcher.

What happens if I don't like the study?

You can leave the study at any time you wish, and it won't affect any medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Rebekah Coates, DClinPsy

28642312@students.lincoln.ac.uk (+44)1522 837733 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.