Social Emotional Learning for Youth with Epilepsy

Overseen By Madeline Niemann, MPH

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston Medical Center

Must be taking: Anti-seizure medications

Disqualifiers: Health burden, Mental wellbeing

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new program called Project Dream Team, designed to help young people with epilepsy enhance their social skills and emotional support networks. The goal is to evaluate the program's effectiveness and identify improvements based on participant feedback. Young individuals aged 12 to 26 with an active epilepsy diagnosis who can join online meetings are ideal candidates. This program could potentially lead to better support systems and an improved quality of life for those living with epilepsy. As an unphased trial, participants have the unique opportunity to shape a program that could significantly enhance their social and emotional well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since it involves participants with active epilepsy, it seems likely that you can continue your anti-seizure medication.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for youth with epilepsy?

Research shows that the "Project Dream Team" is a new approach to help young people with epilepsy enhance their social and emotional skills. However, specific safety information about this program is not yet available.

As a pilot study, researchers are assessing how well participants receive the program and whether it causes any issues. Pilot studies like this one typically ensure the program's suitability for participants without anticipating major risks. If the program had been used safely elsewhere or with similar groups, it might suggest safety here too, but specific evidence for that is lacking.

Overall, Project Dream Team is designed as a supportive program, not a medical treatment, which generally suggests it should be manageable for participants. However, due to the study's early stage, solid information about its safety in people remains limited. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

"Unlike the standard treatments for epilepsy, which mainly focus on controlling seizures with medications like antiepileptic drugs, Project Dream Team is a novel approach targeting the social and emotional learning (SEL) needs of youth with epilepsy (YWE). This new curriculum consists of five sessions designed to enhance social skills and emotional well-being, areas often overlooked by traditional medical treatments. Researchers are excited about this approach because it addresses the holistic needs of young people with epilepsy, potentially improving their quality of life beyond just managing seizures."

What evidence suggests that this novel social-emotional learning curriculum is effective for youth with epilepsy?

Research shows that the Project Dream Team, included in this trial as part of the novel Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, could benefit young people with epilepsy. Studies have found that such programs can enhance social skills and emotional support networks. This program aims to assist youth with epilepsy, who often feel isolated and face mental health challenges, by fostering connections and strengthening their social support. Although specific data on this program's effectiveness is still being gathered, similar programs have successfully improved social support and emotional well-being in other groups. These early indications suggest that Project Dream Team might help young people with epilepsy feel more supported and connected. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Laurie Douglass, MD

Principal Investigator

Boston Medical Center, Department of Neurology

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young individuals aged 12 to 26 with epilepsy. It's designed to help them improve their social skills, emotional support, and overall quality of life. The study aims to evaluate a new program called Project Dream Team that could potentially be used widely.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to read, write, and communicate in English at 3rd grade level

The pediatric neurologist feels the patient would benefit from program participation

Able to consistently join meetings on Zoom with functional audio and video reception

Exclusion Criteria

During the consent process, if an eligible potential participant feels that participation would pose too much of a burden on their health or mental wellbeing, they will be excluded.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive the Project Dream Team, a 5-session Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum designed for youth with epilepsy

4 months

5 sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in perceived social support, social-emotional skills, and epilepsy self-management strategies

4 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Project Dream Team

Trial Overview Project Dream Team is being tested in this trial. It's an innovative program developed from various scientific fields aiming to enhance the social support system of youth with epilepsy through knowledge, skills, and connections.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Novel Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to this arm will receive Project Dream Team, the new 5 session SEL curriculum for YWE.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

410

Recruited

890,000+

Charles H. Hood Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

10

Recruited

1,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The systematic review analyzed 45 studies on social competence in children with epilepsy, revealing that social competence was not clearly defined across the research, indicating a gap in understanding this important area.

Most studies focused on social adjustment issues, highlighting the need for more research on specific social skills and socio-cognitive abilities to better understand the developmental pathways and protective factors for children with epilepsy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social competence in children with epilepsy--a review. Rantanen, K., Eriksson, K., Nieminen, P.[2022]

In a study of 182 children with epilepsy aged 9-14, learning disability was identified as a significant predictor of lower academic self-concept, indicating that these children may struggle more with self-perception in their academic abilities compared to their peers without learning disabilities.

Children with epilepsy who also have learning disabilities reported a significantly lower quality of life, particularly in intrapersonal and interpersonal areas, highlighting the need for targeted support and educational interventions for this vulnerable group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of learning disabilities on academic self-concept in children with epilepsy and on their quality of life. Brabcová, D., Zárubová, J., Kohout, J., et al.[2019]

Over half (53%) of children and young people with epilepsy screened using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were found to have previously unrecognized mental health difficulties, highlighting the importance of early identification.

The PAVES pathway for early intervention received positive feedback from young people, parents, and clinicians, suggesting it is a feasible and acceptable approach that could improve long-term psychosocial outcomes for this vulnerable population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot project of psychological services integrated into a pediatric epilepsy clinic: Psychology Adding Value - Epilepsy Screening (PAVES). George, C., Felix, SA., McLellan, A., et al.[2021]

A study involving 36 children with epilepsy and 35 healthy controls revealed that both groups attributed more shame to incompetence related to epilepsy compared to other illnesses, indicating a unique emotional response to epilepsy.

Despite similar patterns of shame and guilt attribution between children with epilepsy and healthy peers, the findings suggest that the emotional challenges faced by children with epilepsy are not solely due to excessive feelings of shame and guilt, highlighting the distinct psychological impact of the condition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Negative emotions in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Oostrom, KJ., Schouten, A., Olthof, T., et al.[2019]

Children and adolescents with medically refractory seizures report significant negative impacts on their quality of life, including excessive fatigue affecting their academic and social activities, emotional distress due to the unpredictability of seizures, profound social isolation, and fragmented learning experiences.

The study, which involved interviews with 49 participants aged 7-18, highlights the need for targeted clinical interventions and community programs to address these challenges and improve the overall quality of life for these youths.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

I just want to be normal: a qualitative study exploring how children and adolescents view the impact of intractable epilepsy on their quality of life. Elliott, IM., Lach, L., Smith, ML.[2022]

In a study of children aged 4 to 18 with medically refractory epilepsy, factors such as the age of epilepsy onset, fewer antiepileptic drugs, and having unilobar epileptogenic foci were associated with higher IQ scores.

Family demands were found to moderate the relationship between the extent of epileptogenic foci and IQ, indicating that children with multilobar foci had lower IQ scores as family demands increased, while those with unilobar foci did not show this decline.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of family factors on IQ in pediatric medically refractory epilepsy. Puka, K., Smith, ML., Widjaja, E.[2019]

Out of 38 trainees with epilepsy who completed social skills training, 39% were employed or in training at the time of follow-up, indicating some success in improving job readiness.

Despite 66% of participants feeling that the training boosted their self-confidence and social skills, 50% reported experiencing discrimination due to their epilepsy, highlighting the need for more targeted support and job placement programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Employment among young people with epilepsy. Carroll, D.[2019]

Youth with epilepsy face challenges in social participation and autonomy, with parents often having different beliefs about managing daily life and medication, which can limit the youth's independence.

The Skills for Growing Up (SGU-Epilepsy) communication tool was found to be feasible for facilitating discussions about development and empowerment, but it did not show short-term benefits in enhancing autonomy or empowerment compared to usual care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Skills for Growing Up-Epilepsy: An exploratory mixed methods study into a communication tool to promote autonomy and empowerment of youth with epilepsy. Hilberink, SR., van Ool, M., van der Stege, HA., et al.[2019]

In a survey of 100 pediatric patients aged 6-18 on anticonvulsant treatment, 40% expressed fears about potential harm from their medication, particularly concerning neurological and psychiatric symptoms.

Among those who experienced adverse drug events, 82% reported feeling bothered by them, with significant emotional burdens and restrictions in school performance and leisure activities, highlighting the impact of these side effects on children's lives.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How do pediatric patients perceive adverse drug events of anticonvulsant drugs? A survey. Neininger, MP., Woltermann, S., Jeschke, S., et al.[2021]

In a study of 108 children aged 5 to 18 with epilepsy, 22.2% exhibited moderate to severe behavioral or emotional problems, highlighting the need for psychosocial support in their treatment.

Specific medical factors, such as the type of epilepsy and the use of multiple anticonvulsant medications, were linked to higher behavioral issues, particularly in social problems and aggression, indicating that these factors may influence the emotional well-being of children with epilepsy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Behavioral and emotional problems in children with epilepsy. Freilinger, M., Reisel, B., Reiter, E., et al.[2017]

The child-centered, family-focused educational program significantly improved knowledge and skills related to seizure management among children with epilepsy (n = 123) compared to a control group (n = 113) after 5 months.

Children in the experimental group also reported increased self-perceptions of social competency and better behavior, indicating positive psychosocial effects from the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized trial of a program to enhance the competencies of children with epilepsy. Lewis, MA., Salas, I., de la Sota, A., et al.[2019]

The selection of antiepileptic drugs for children with epilepsy is influenced by factors such as drug efficacy, formulation availability, dosing ease, and tolerability, particularly regarding behavioral side effects.

The review highlights that phenobarbital is associated with significant behavioral adverse events and should generally be avoided as a first or second treatment option for pediatric epilepsy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Behavioral and psychiatric adverse events associated with antiepileptic drugs commonly used in pediatric patients. Glauser, TA.[2017]

In a study of 13 children and adolescents with drug-resistant epilepsy, significant improvements in emotional and behavioral symptoms were observed after epilepsy surgery, with follow-ups extending up to 8.5 years.

The results indicated a sustained reduction in psychosocial impairment, suggesting that epilepsy surgery can lead to long-term benefits in the emotional well-being of young patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of epilepsy surgery on emotions, behavior, and psychosocial impairment in children and adolescents with drug-resistant epilepsy: a prospective study. Hannan, S., Cross, JH., Scott, RC., et al.[2015]

In a study of 506 children aged 8 to 14 with epilepsy, it was found that their quality of life (QOL) is strongly influenced by their mental health and social support rather than the frequency of seizures.

The research highlights that while managing seizures is important, focusing on mental health and peer support is crucial for improving the overall perception of life quality in children with epilepsy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Children's perspective of quality of life in epilepsy. Fayed, N., Davis, AM., Streiner, DL., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06427967

A Novel Social Emotional Learning Curriculum for Youth ... Participants assigned to this arm will receive Project Dream Team, the new 5 session SEL curriculum for YWE. Intervention/Treatment, Behavioral : Project Dream ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-epilepsy-5-2024-384e1

Social Emotional Learning for Youth with Epilepsy What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Project Dream Team for youth with epilepsy? A study showed that a child-centered, family-focused ...

3. aesnet.org aesnet.org/abstractslisting/conceptual-development-of-a-novel-social-emotional-learning-curriculum-for-youth-with-epilepsy-to-enhance-social-support

conceptual development of a novel social-emotional learning ... A large safety-net hospital sought to develop a social emotional learning (SEL) intervention for youth with epilepsy that would empower the ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10927725/

A systematic review of the effectiveness of epilepsy ... This systematic review provides evidence that epilepsy education programs can effectively enhance epilepsy-related knowledge, understanding, values, attitudes, ...

5. epilepsy.org.uk epilepsy.org.uk/app/uploads/2025/10/EP_Summer25.pdf

epilepsy professional VNS Therapy™ System is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients whose epileptic disorder is dominated by ...

6. aesnet.org aesnet.org/abstractslisting/evaluation-of-an-online-asynchronous-healthcare-transition-curriculum-for-youth-with-epilepsy

evaluation of an online asynchronous healthcare transition ... It aims to enhance self-management skills through the program's use of social-emotional learning theory putting emphasis on self-awareness, ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10140522/

Unmet needs of people with epilepsy: A qualitative study ... The research identified key unmet needs and opportunities for people with epilepsy to improve their subjective experiences at different stages of their disease ...