Preliminary effects of a compassion-focused therapy for adolescents with epilepsy.

Authors

Rachel Batchelor, Elowen Ferne, Maeve Violette

Published in

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B. Volume 183. Pages 111179. Jul 05, 2026. Epub Jul 05, 2026.

Abstract

Depression is a common difficulty among adolescents with epilepsy (AWE). Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has demonstrated potential benefits for adults with epilepsy. This study was a preliminary investigation evaluating whether an eight-session online group intervention based on CFT could reduce symptoms of depression and enhance self-compassion in AWE. Sixteen AWE aged 13-17 took part, completing measures for depression and self-compassion before the intervention (pre-CFT), immediately afterwards (post-CFT), and again six months later (follow-up). Results showed significant reductions in depression and increases in self-compassion from pre- to post-CFT, with these improvements sustained at follow-up. By both post-CFT and six-month follow-up, three-quarters of AWE were below clinical threshold for depression. Overall, these findings offer preliminary, tentative evidence that CFT may be a beneficial approach for supporting AWE who are experiencing depression, though further robust research is required to propose such recommendations.

PMID:
42402244
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 06 Jul 2026.

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