The effect of mindfulness-based approaches on epilepsy patients: A systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54029/2025vrmKeywords:
Epilepsy, stress, mindfulness, patient, awarenessAbstract
Objective: This study was conducted to systematically examine the effects of mindfulness-based approaches on patients with epilepsy.
Methods: PRISMA criteria were taken as the basis for creating the systematic review protocol and writing the article. In this systematic review, the literature search was performed by searching randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies from Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web Of Science databases between 2019 and 2024. The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined using the PICOS method, and 5 studies were included. These studies included in the review were evaluated according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal lists according to their types.
Results: Five studies, including 3 randomized controlled studies and 2 quasi-experimental studies, were included in our systematic review study. In the studies included in the research, a mindfulness-based approach was applied to epilepsy patients. In all studies included in the scope of the research, it was concluded that a mindfulness-based approach reduced anxiety symptoms in epilepsy patients, improved cognitive balance of emotions and ability to react, increased sexual function, and reduced gender-related distress. The mindfulness-based approach improved the quality of life and reduced symptoms of depression in both group and individual adults with epilepsy.
Conclusion: In line with these results, a mindfulness-based approach is beneficial to alleviate symptoms and develop coping mechanisms in epilepsy patients. In this direction, it is thought that more studies with high levels of evidence evaluating the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based approach are needed. In addition, awareness-based approach training protocols can be developed for mental health professionals, and in-service training can be provided and applied on different patient groups to contribute to the field.
