Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy for Children with Epilepsy

The Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Play Intervention on the Quality of Life of Children With Childhood-onset Epileptic Syndromes."

Not applicable Interventional IRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino" Foundation · NCT06813612

This study is testing if Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy can help improve the quality of life for children aged 6 to 10 with epilepsy compared to regular free play.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS National Neurological Institute "C. Mondino" Foundation Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pavia)
Trial IDNCT06813612 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) in improving the quality of life for children aged 6 to 10 years diagnosed with various types of epilepsy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the CBPT intervention group or a control group engaging in free play. The study will assess behaviors, coping strategies, positive thinking, problem-solving skills, and overall quality of life before and after the intervention. The goal is to determine if CBPT offers greater benefits compared to free play in a hospital setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6 to 10 years diagnosed with specific types of epilepsy.

Not a fit: Children with epilepsy who also have cognitive disabilities or significant sensory impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the emotional and psychological well-being of children with epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for play-based interventions in pediatric populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For the purposes of the study, children aged between 6 and 10 years, of both sexes, will be recruited.

\- inclusion criteria Children diagnosed with the following types of epilepsy will be included: childhood self-limiting focal epilepsy (SeLFE); childhood absence epilepsy (CAE); self-limiting centrotemporal paroxysmal epilepsy (SeLECTS); self-limiting epilepsy with autonomic seizures (SeLEAS); childhood occipital epilepsy (COVE); photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy (POLE).

Exclusion criteria:

* Children with epilepsy in comorbidity with cognitive disabilities (the relevant cognitive disabilities must be specified with IQ scores)
* reduced visual or expressive hearing acuity (visually impaired or deaf) will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Pavia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions EpilepsyEpilepsy in Childrenepilepsypsychologycognitive behavioral play therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.