Impact of Canine Mediation Practice in Psychomotor Therapy on Improving the Quality of Life in Adult Epileptic Patients.

Launched by FONDATION OPHTALMOLOGIQUE ADOLPHE DE ROTHSCHILD · Mar 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether spending time with dogs during therapy sessions can improve the quality of life for adults with epilepsy. The study is particularly interested in how this canine mediation might help with managing emotions, reducing anxiety, and even possibly affecting the frequency of seizures. While researchers are looking into this complementary approach, it’s important to note that there is currently no evidence showing that this method benefits people with epilepsy.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have epilepsy that does not respond to standard treatments. They should also need help with emotional management or certain physical difficulties. Participants will be required to stay at the Teppe Institute or a similar facility for at least three months. However, people with a fear of dogs or certain medical conditions, like pregnancy, will not be eligible. If you or a loved one meets these criteria, this study may offer a unique opportunity to explore how canine companionship could enhance life for those living with epilepsy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Person aged ≥ 18 years
• • Presenting pharmacoresistant epilepsy according to the criteria of the International League Against Epilepsy
• * Requiring psychomotor therapy sessions for one of the following indications:
• • Difficult emotional and relational management And/or global motor difficulties And/or body schema organization disorder And/or temporo-spatial disorder
• • Explicit consent or no opposition to participation in the study by the patient and/or their legal representative or guardian
• • Image rights consented by the patient and their legal representative or guardian, if applicable
• • Hospitalization or residence at the Teppe Institute or at the FAM (Foyer d'Accueil Médicalisé) des 4 Jardins planned for at least 3 months
• • Affiliated with or a beneficiary of a social security scheme
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Fear or phobia of dogs
• • Epileptic person benefiting from a legal protection measure other than guardianship or curatorship
• • Person with insufficient cognitive abilities to respond to the questionnaires
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding woman