Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Improve Mood in People with Epilepsy: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study compared a 9-week individualised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) programme for people with epilepsy (PWE), with a wait-list control. Fifty-nine PWE were randomised and 45 (75%) completed post-treatment outcomes. People with lower quality of life (QoL), particularly for cognitive functioning, were more likely to drop out. Analyses based on treatment completers demonstrated significant improvements on the Neurological Depressive Disorders Inventory for Epilepsy (p = .045) and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale-Depression subscale (p = .048). Importantly, CBT significantly reduced the likelihood of clinical depressive symptoms (p = .014) and suicidal ideation (p = .005). Improvements were not observed for anxiety, QoL or maintained overtime for depression. Results suggest that CBT was effective, however, and could be improved to increase patient retention and long-term outcomes.

Keywords::

• mood
• psychopathology
• psychotherapy
• anxiety

Acknowledgements

Dr Milena Gandy was supported by the generous scholarships of the National Health Research Council of Australia and the Molly McDonnell Foundation of the Epilepsy Society of Australia for this research. Prof. Louise Sharpe is supported by an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship. We would also like to thank Epilepsy Action Australia for advertising the study and providing seizure diaries for participants.