Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural treatments for epilepsy: a progress review

Epilepsy is increasingly being viewed as a condition where psychological interventions may offer great potential in bringing about a reduction in the frequency of seizures. Early studies of behavioural interventions (including classical and operant conditioning approaches) designed to reduce seizure frequency were often subject to considerable methodological flaws. The outcome of recent behavioural and cognitive-behavioural treatment trials is reviewed in the light of criticisms of earlier studies. Persisting methodological difficulties are discussed and recommendations made for future studies.