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

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.