Adapting the PEARLS Program for Adults with Epilepsy

University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center

Topics:
Epilepsy | Mental Health

Compared with non-depressed people with epilepsy, those with depression and epilepsy have significantly higher rates of suicide, lower social and occupational functioning, decreased quality of life, and higher non-psychiatric health care use. Depression is recognized and adequately treated in only a minority of depressed people with epilepsy. Further, because adults with epilepsy may be homebound due to driver’s license restrictions and limited public transportation, opportunities to obtain care for depression may be limited.

In this project, investigators are taking a successful home-based depression treatment intervention called Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors (PEARLS) and adapting it for adults with epilepsy who have minor depression, major depression, and/or dysthymia. The modified intervention consists of problem solving treatment, social and physical activation, pleasant events scheduling, and support and education regarding medication use and coping with epilepsy. The intervention includes a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and social workers.

After completing revisions to the program, researchers will conduct a randomized controlled trial with participants to test the effectiveness of the intervention versus usual care. They will determine the intervention's acceptability, feasibility, and outcomes for eventual community-based dissemination.

 

Back to Research Projects