Telephone-Based Support Programs for People With Epilepsy

Conditions studied

Epilepsy

About this study

This is a two-arm randomized controlled trial to compare telephone-based depression self-management (UPLIFT) to telephone-based support groups (BOOST). A sample of 120 English- and Spanish-speaking people with epilepsy (PWE) with elevated depressive symptoms will be enrolled. Both interventions are 8-week programs delivered in one-hour weekly sessions to groups of about 6 participants. Changes in depressive symptoms, quality of life and seizures will be assessed over 12 months. The trial will also examine mediators and moderators of treatment effects.

Interventions

• Behavioral: UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) — UPLIFT is an 8-week program that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques and is delivered to small groups of participants by phone. Each weekly session is 1 hour long and is comprised of a check-in period, teaching on the week's topic, group discussion, a skill-building exercise, and a home practice assignment. CBT-related skills include thought monitoring, identifying cognitive distortions, problem identification, goal setting, and identifying supports. Relaxation exercises are also used for coping and to facilitate awareness of the body. Mindfulness activities include attention to breath, sights and sounds and other meditations. Audio guides are provided for home practice of mindfulness exercises.
• Behavioral: BOOST (Bringing Out Our Strength Together) — BOOST is a telephone-based support program delivered in 8 weekly group sessions. Each weekly session is 1 hour long and is comprised of a check-in period, introduction of the week's topic, and group discussion. Weekly BOOST session topics include: (1) personal experience of epilepsy; (2) personal experience of mood problems (depression, anxiety, stress); (3) seizure triggers; (4) concerns related to epilepsy treatment (e.g., medication adherence, side effects); (5) changes in seizures over time; (6) the impact of behavior (e.g., sleep, substance use) on seizures; (7) social relationships and epilepsy; and (8) review of the BOOST experience.

Primary outcomes

• Presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms (Baseline Visit)
• Presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms (3 month visit)
• Presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms (6 month visit)
• Presence of clinically significant depressive symptoms (12 month visit)