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Published on: June 2, 2014
Psychophysiologic Therapy for Chronic Headache in Primary Care
Angele V. McGrady1, Frank Andrasik, Terrence Davies
1Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo; Behavioral Medicine Laboratory, University of West Florida, Pensacola; the Department of Family Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk; the Center for Persons With Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan; the Saybrook Institute, San Francisco, and the Complementary Medicine Clinic, Stanford Medical School, Hercules, Calif.; the New England Institute of Behavioral Medicine, Stamford, Conn.; and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
Psychophysiologic therapy, including relaxation and biofeedback, effectively treats migraine and tension-type headaches. This approach offers a safe, adjunctive treatment option for primary care physicians managing chronic benign headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Headaches, particularly migraine and tension-type, are common reasons for primary care visits.
- Psychosocial factors play a significant role in headache presentation and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize psychophysiologic therapies for migraine and tension-type headaches.
- To assess the efficacy of biofeedback and relaxation techniques in headache management.
Main Methods:
- Review of representative controlled studies, meta-analyses, and literature reviews.
- Assessment of biofeedback (thermal and EMG-assisted) and relaxation techniques.
Main Results:
- Psychophysiologic therapy, including biofeedback and relaxation, is effective as a sole or adjunctive treatment.
- These therapies demonstrate effectiveness with minimal or no side effects.
- Treatment protocols can be integrated into primary care settings.
Conclusions:
- Psychophysiologic therapy is a valuable adjunctive treatment for chronic benign headaches.
- The integration of these therapies into primary care is feasible and beneficial.
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