Help trial a new mental health app for epilepsy

Published: May 16 2022
Last updated: May 12 2023

Researchers are looking for people with epilepsy to trial a new mental health app, ThinkNinja for epilepsy, created by a digital mental health company called Healios.

People with epilepsy are known to be at higher risk of developing certain mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, than people without epilepsy.

Chief investigator Dr Frank Burbach and his team developed the ThinkNinja for epilepsy app to support the mental health, emotional wellbeing and quality of life of people with epilepsy. Healios has now teamed up with Epilepsy Action to trial the app with people with epilepsy.

Participants will be randomly assigned to a group who will start to use the app straight away, or a group who will have to wait eight weeks to start using the app.

Taking part will give you access to mental health support, practical advice and a range of tools, such as a seizure diary, tools to help you monitor and manage stress and anxiety and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills.

You can take part in the trial if you are aged 18-65, have had a diagnosis of epilepsy for at least six months and have a smartphone.

You will be asked to download the app for free and use it for a specified amount of time. You will need to periodically answer questions about your feelings, mood, and how you interact with others over the next few months.

For more information or to register to take part in the app trial, visit the Epilepsy Action website or email info@healiosresearch.com.