Telephone-Based Support Programs for People With Epilepsy
NYU Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Telephone-Based Support for People With Epilepsy
Who can join
Ages 18 to 99 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adult (≥18 years of age); * diagnosed with epilepsy for at least one year; * fluent in English or Spanish; * elevated depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥10); * willing to participate in audiotaped group telephone sessions Exclusion Criteria: * severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥20); * active suicidal ideation (PHQ-9 item #9 ≥1 or otherwise reported during screening); * active psychotic disorder (psychiatric diagnosis or antipsychotic medications in the EHR); * significant cognitive impairment (indicated in EHR or evident during screening)
About the study
This is a two-arm randomized controlled trial to compare telephone-based depression self-management (UPLIFT) to telephone-based support groups (BOOST). A sample of 120 English- and Spanish-speaking people with epilepsy (PWE) with elevated depressive symptoms will be enrolled. Both interventions are 8-week programs delivered in one-hour weekly sessions to groups of about 6 participants. Changes in depressive symptoms, quality of life and seizures will be assessed over 12 months. The trial will also examine mediators and moderators of treatment effects.
What is being tested
- UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) (behavioral)
- BOOST (Bringing Out Our Strength Together) (behavioral)
Sponsor: NYU Langone Health · Participants: 120 · Started: Nov 9, 2021
Contact the study team
- Tanya Spruill, PhD · Phone: 646-501-3429
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05082181
Locations in the U.S.
| New York | NYU Langone Health, New York |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.