Breakthrough Treatment Enhances Mental Health in Children with Epilepsy

A groundbreaking psychological intervention, developed by a team led by scientists at UCL, offers promising results in improving the mental health of children with epilepsy. Known as the Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE), this novel approach demonstrates significant benefits compared to standard care, as revealed by a recent study.
Children and young people with epilepsy often face mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, which can profoundly affect their quality of life. However, these difficulties are frequently overlooked due to the separation of epilepsy and mental health services. The MICE treatment bridges this gap by integrating mental health care into epilepsy services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing patients’ needs.
Unlike traditional treatments that target individual mental health conditions, MICE utilizes a modular approach based on NICE-recommended therapies. This approach enables simultaneous treatment of multiple conditions, offering a more efficient and effective solution. Moreover, MICE sessions can be delivered remotely via phone or video call, minimizing disruptions to patients’ daily lives.
Lead author Dr. Sophie Bennett emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health care within epilepsy services, highlighting the treatment’s accessibility and sustainability. Developed in collaboration with patients, families, and healthcare professionals, MICE represents a significant advancement in addressing the mental health challenges associated with epilepsy.
The study, published in The Lancet, involved 334 children and young people aged three to 18. Those who received the MICE treatment demonstrated fewer mental difficulties compared to those receiving standard care. The results indicate a substantial decrease in the likelihood of psychiatric disorders among MICE recipients.
Co-Chief Investigators Professor Roz Shafran and Professor Helen Cross underscore the transformative impact of MICE on mental health care practices, offering hope for families affected by epilepsy-related mental health challenges. Co-author Professor Isobel Heyman highlights the holistic approach of MICE, which addresses the “whole child” within pediatric settings.
The collaborative efforts of researchers from UCL, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, King’s College London, and UCLA have paved the way for a new era of mental health treatment for children with epilepsy. The success of MICE demonstrates the potential for integrating psychological interventions into existing healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of patients.

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