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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Psychological treatments for epilepsy.
Sridharan Ramaratnam1, Gus A Baker, Laura H Goldstein
1Department of Neurology, Apollo Hospitals, 21 Greams Lane, Off Greams Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 600006. rsridharan@vsnl.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Psychological interventions for epilepsy show mixed results. While some studies suggest benefits for quality of life and mood, evidence for reducing seizure frequency is limited and requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Evidence-based Medicine
Background:
- Psychological interventions, including relaxation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and educational programs, are utilized in epilepsy management.
- These interventions aim to reduce seizure frequency and enhance the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing seizure frequency and improving the quality of life in epilepsy patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials was conducted.
- Searches included the Cochrane Epilepsy Group's Specialized Register, CENTRAL, and MEDLINE up to March 2007.
- Data extraction and assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with a focus on seizure frequency and quality of life outcomes.
Main Results:
- Three small, low-quality trials on relaxation therapy showed no significant effect on seizure frequency.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) demonstrated potential in improving quality of life and reducing depression in some individuals, with conflicting results on seizure frequency.
- Biofeedback and educational interventions showed some benefits for specific aspects like seizure reduction or knowledge enhancement, but evidence was often insufficient or based on small studies.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence for the efficacy of psychological interventions in epilepsy is limited due to methodological deficiencies and small sample sizes.
- Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish reliable evidence for these treatments in epilepsy management.
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