Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Assessing psychological and psychiatric factors in epilepsy surgery candidates

Official title: Psychological and Psychiatric Assessment in Patients Eligible for Epilepsy Surgery

Run by Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta · NCT06792383 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy affects the mental health and quality of life of patients, comparing those who have surgery right away with those who wait.

More Focal Epilepsy With and Without Secondary Generalization trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment180 (estimated)
SponsorFondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 2, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT06792383 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who are eligible for epilepsy surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with significant cognitive or psychiatric disorders that hinder their ability to participate in assessments will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the socio-demographic, clinical, psychological, and psychiatric characteristics of patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who are eligible for surgery. It will track changes in these parameters over time, focusing on quality of life, psychiatric symptoms, and stigma perception. The study will involve two groups: one undergoing surgery immediately and another waiting for further evaluations. Data will be collected at multiple time points to assess the impact of surgery on these factors.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the psychological aspects of epilepsy surgery, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on epilepsy surgery outcomes, this specific focus on psychological and psychiatric assessments in a longitudinal framework is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 or older at the time of enrollment;
* Patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy followed at the Institute for at least 6 months;
* Patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy eligible for epilepsy surgery;
* Patients capable of providing informed consent to participate in the study and for the processing of personal data.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with evident and/or diagnosed cognitive or psychiatric disorders that prevent participation in an interview, proper understanding of informed consent, or completion of questionnaires.

Where it's running

  • Foundation IRCCS Carlo Besta Neurological Institute
    Milan, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Marco de Curtis, MD — Clinical and Experimental Epileptology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via G. Celoria 11, 20133 Milano, Italy
  • Study coordinator: Rui Quintas, PsyD
  • Email: rui.quintas@istituto-besta.it
  • Phone: +39 02 2394

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.