Mindfulness-based interventions in epilepsy: a systematic review

Wood, K., Lawrence, M., Jani, B. , Simpson, R. and Mercer, S. W. (2017) Mindfulness-based interventions in epilepsy: a systematic review. BMC Neurology, 17(1), 52. (doi: 10.1186/s12883-017-0832-3) (PMID:28320349) (PMCID:PMC5360054)

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Abstract

Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly used to help patients cope with physical and mental long-term conditions (LTCs). Epilepsy is associated with a range of mental and physical comorbidities that have a detrimental effect on quality of life (QOL), but it is not clear whether MBIs can help. We systematically reviewed the literature to determine the effectiveness of MBIs in people with epilepsy. Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL, Allied and Complimentary Medicine Database, and PsychInfo were searched in March 2016. These databases were searched using a combination of subject headings where available and keywords in the title and abstracts. We also searched the reference lists of related reviews. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 231 participants were included. The interventions were tested in the USA (n = 171) and China (Hong Kong) (n = 60). Significant improvements were reported in depression symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, and depression knowledge and skills. Two of the included studies were assessed as being at unclear/high risk of bias - with randomisation and allocation procedures, as well as adverse events and reasons for drop-outs poorly reported. There was no reporting on intervention costs/benefits or how they affected health service utilisation. This systematic review found limited evidence for the effectiveness of MBIs in epilepsy, however preliminary evidence suggests it may lead to some improvement in anxiety, depression and quality of life. Further trials with larger sample sizes, active control groups and longer follow-ups are needed before the evidence for MBIs in epilepsy can be conclusively determined.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Anxiety, depression, epilepsy, mindfulness, stress, systematic review
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mercer, Professor Stewart and Jani, Dr Bhautesh and Simpson, Dr Robert and Wood, Miss Karen
Authors: Wood, K., Lawrence, M., Jani, B., Simpson, R., and Mercer, S. W.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
Journal Name:BMC Neurology
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1471-2377
ISSN (Online):1471-2377
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMC Neurology 17(1):52
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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