Adapting Project UPLIFT for Hispanic Patients With Epilepsy II

Adapting Project UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) is for Hispanic Patients With Epilepsy II

The purpose of this study is to adapt Project UPLIFT for Hispanic adults with epilepsy and depression. Project UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) is a home-based intervention that teaches cognitive and mindfulness skills to people with epilepsy by phone to reduce their depression and improve quality of life (QOL); it was developed at Emory University with CDC funding. The purpose of this study is to adapt Project UPLIFT for Hispanic adults with epilepsy and depression. Project UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) is a home-based intervention that teaches cognitive and mindfulness skills to people with epilepsy by phone to reduce their depression and improve quality of life (QOL); it was developed at Emory University with CDC funding.

The goal of this study is to adapt Project UPLIFT for Hispanic adults with epilepsy and depression. A 2-arm randomized control trial will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effects of Project UPLIFT versus usual care (UC) in Hispanic patients with epilepsy. The specific aim of this study is: To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and short- and long-term effects of the adapted intervention on depression and other outcomes in 72 English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanic epilepsy patients.

Project UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) is a home-based intervention that teaches cognitive and mindfulness skills to people with epilepsy by phone to reduce their depression and improve quality of life (QOL).

Participants randomized to the UC group will receive printed educational materials on management of epilepsy in English or Spanish as preferred.

Description of the UPLIFT program: Participants who choose to participate in UPLIFT will complete 8 weekly group sessions via telephone. Session 1: Introduction to UPLIFT/Noticing Thoughts Session 2: Checking and Changing Thoughts Session 3: Coping & Relaxing Session 4: Attention & Mindfulness Session 5: The Present as a Calm Place Session 6: Thoughts as Changeable, Thoughts as Not Fixed Session 7: Focus on Pleasure & the Importance of Reinforcement Session 8: Preventing Lapses and Giving Thanks

Participants randomized to the UC group will receive printed educational materials on management of epilepsy in English or Spanish as preferred.

This measure assesses depressive symptoms in the past two weeks based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for major depression.

This 10-item measure was developed by NIH to assess physical, mental and social functioning. It is a generic rather than disease-specific measure of global health.

This self-report measure assesses the impact of disease on productivity and work productivity loss due to general health or a specified health problem.

This measure assesses trait levels of self-compassion, including the thoughts, emotions and behaviors associated with the various components of self-compassion.

This measure assesses the perceived availability of appraisal, belonging and tangible social support.

This 24-item measure assesses the construct of mindfulness through five component skills: observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging of inner experience, and non-reactivity to inner experience.

This 10-item measure assesses the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful or overwhelming.

This 10-item measure assesses the degree to which a person believes that epilepsy is perceived as negative and interferes with relationships with others.

This self-report questionnaire assesses the use of healthcare services (e.g., clinic visits ED visits, etc).

Inclusion Criteria: self-identified as Hispanic English or Spanish speaking diagnosis of epilepsy for at least one year post diagnosis willing to participate in 8 one-hour telephone sessions every week for eight weeks. willing to be audio-taped Elevated depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score >13 Exclusion Criteria: Severe depression (CES-D > 37) Active suicidal ideation Significant cognitive impairment (evident during screening)