Brief mindfulness-based therapy for chronic tension-type headache: a randomized controlled pilot study.
Study Goal
To evaluate the efficacy of a brief (6-session, 3-week) mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) for Chronic Tension-Type Headache (CTH).
Results Summary
The study found a significant decrease in headache frequency and an increase in the mindfulness facet of Observe in the treatment group compared to the wait-list control group.
Population
Individuals with Chronic Tension-Type Headache (CTH).
Effective Dosage
6 sessions over 3 weeks (specific duration per session not mentioned).
Duration
3 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) | decrease | chronic pain symptoms | - | - | has been demonstrated to be effective for reducing | #1 |
brief (6-session, 3-week) MBT | decrease | headache frequency | treatment but not wait-list control group | - | significant decrease | #2 |
brief (6-session, 3-week) MBT | increase | the mindfulness facet of Observe | treatment but not wait-list control group | - | increase | #3 |
BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) has been demonstrated to be effective for reducing chronic pain symptoms; however, the use of MBT for Chronic Tension-Type Headache (CTH) exclusively has to date not been examined. Typically, MBT for chronic pain has involved an 8-week program based on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Recent research suggests briefer mindfulness-based treatments may be effective for chronic pain. AIMS: To conduct a pilot study into the efficacy of brief MBT for CTH. METHOD: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of a brief (6-session, 3-week) MBT for CTH. RESULTS: Results indicated a significant decrease in headache frequency and an increase in the mindfulness facet of Observe in the treatment but not wait-list control group. CONCLUSION: Brief MBT may be an effective intervention for CTH.