Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Adolescents with Recurrent Headaches: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Recurrent headaches significantly burden adolescents and their families.
• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are known to reduce stress and improve pain management in adults.
• Evidence suggests MBIs may benefit chronic pain conditions, including headaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of MBIs for adolescent females with recurrent headaches.
• To assess the impact of MBIs on quality of life, depression, and pain acceptance in this population.

Main Methods:

• A pilot nonrandomized clinical trial involving 20 adolescent females with recurrent headaches.
• Participants attended a median of 7 out of 8 MBI sessions, with good adherence to home practice.
• Data collected included attendance, adherence, adverse events, and self-reported outcomes from adolescents and parents.

Main Results:

• MBIs were found to be safe and feasible, with high attendance and adherence rates.
• No adverse events were reported; five participants dropped out due to external reasons.
• Adolescents reported improved depression symptoms and greater pain acceptance.
• Parents noted improvements in their child's quality of life and physical functioning.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness-based interventions appear safe and feasible for adolescents experiencing recurrent headaches.
• While not directly reducing headache frequency or severity, MBIs offer significant benefits for depression, quality of life, and pain acceptance.
• MBIs represent a promising adjunctive treatment for managing the impact of recurrent headaches in adolescents.