Psychological issues in the evaluation and treatment of tension-type headache.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore the utility of mindfulness and other psychological therapies in treating chronic pain conditions, particularly tension-type headaches, and reducing associated disability.
Results Summary
The abstract suggests that mindfulness, along with other psychological therapies, has demonstrated utility in treating chronic pain conditions and reducing disability, particularly in special populations like pediatric, pregnant, and geriatric patients.
Population
Individuals with tension-type headaches, including special populations (pediatric, pregnant, and geriatric patients).
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
relaxation training | decrease | chronic pain conditions | - | - | demonstrated utility in treating | #1 |
relaxation training | decrease | disability | - | - | reducing the associated disability | #2 |
cognitive behavioral therapy | decrease | chronic pain conditions | - | - | demonstrated utility in treating | #3 |
cognitive behavioral therapy | decrease | disability | - | - | reducing the associated disability | #4 |
biofeedback | decrease | chronic pain conditions | - | - | demonstrated utility in treating | #5 |
biofeedback | decrease | disability | - | - | reducing the associated disability | #6 |
mindfulness | decrease | chronic pain conditions | - | - | demonstrated utility in treating | #7 |
mindfulness | decrease | disability | - | - | reducing the associated disability | #8 |
Tension-type headache is the most common headache disorder, affecting approximately 40 % of Americans within a one-year span. Although the most common form, episodic tension-type headache, is rarely impairing, more frequent tension-type headache can occur with significant disability and psychological comorbidity. Appreciating the psychological impact, assessing the associated biopsychosocial issues, and understanding patients' coping styles are important in forming an appropriate treatment plan and maximizing treatment outcomes. A range of psychological therapies including relaxation training, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback and mindfulness have demonstrated utility in treating chronic pain conditions and reducing the associated disability. This may be particularly applicable to special populations, including pediatric patients, pregnant patients and geriatric. Psychological assessment and treatment may be done conjointly with medication management and expands treatment options. There is great need to continue researching the effects of psychological treatments, standardizing interventions and making them available to the wider population.