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Published on: August 24, 2017
Cognitive-behavioral therapy versus temporal pulse amplitude biofeedback training for recurrent headache.
Paul R Martin1, Michael R Forsyth, John Reece
1Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. Paul.Martin@med.monash.edu.au
Behavior Therapy
|November 21, 2007
Summary
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced headache frequency more than temporal pulse amplitude (TPA) biofeedback or control groups. CBT benefits persisted at 12-month follow-up, unlike biofeedback.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Headaches, including migraine and tension-type, are prevalent and impact quality of life.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are sought for headache management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and temporal pulse amplitude (TPA) biofeedback for headache reduction.
- To identify predictors of treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 64 participants allocated to CBT, TPA biofeedback, or a waiting-list control.
- Treatment involved 8 weekly 1-hour sessions.
- Outcomes assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 12-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- CBT yielded a 68% average headache reduction, significantly higher than TPA biofeedback (56%) and control (20%).
- CBT benefits were sustained at 12-month follow-up.
- Baseline coping skills, social support, and physiological measures (especially TPA) predicted CBT response.
Conclusions:
- CBT is a highly effective treatment for reducing headache frequency and severity.
- CBT's effectiveness is linked to psychological and physiological factors.
- TPA biofeedback showed benefit, but predictors of response were not identified.
