[Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for individuals with chronic headaches]

Introduction: Chronic headache is one of the most common health issues leading to long-term disability, which results not only in a decline in the quality of life but also increases depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. In the case of chronic pain, the effectiveness of acute pain relief is limited. International research increasingly highlights the importance of modifying psychological and behavioral factors associated with pain. According to the literature, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has been proven effective in reducing the burden of chronic headaches, primarily by improving the quality of life, enhancing self-efficacy, and reducing pain catastrophizing and depression. Objectives: Our primary goal was to make mindfulness-based cognitive therapy accessible for the first time in Hungary to individuals living with chronic headaches. Secondly, we aimed to measure the impact of this method on the quality of life, coping with pain, and depression. Method: We initiated 8-session groups following the structure developed by Melissa Day (2012) at the Department of Clinical Psychology, Semmelweis University. Measurement tools: Beck Depression Inventory, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Comprehensive Headache-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, Mindfulness Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Questionnaire. Results: After the group sessions, there was a significant reduction in the negative impact of pain on the quality of life (p<0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.92), pain catastrophizing (p<0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.76), and depression (p<0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.51). Additionally, there was an increase in mindfulness skills (p<0.001, Cohen’s d = –0.55) and self-compassion (p<0.001, Cohen’s d = –0.7). Discussion: Our clinical trial supports the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy in improving the quality of life for individuals living with chronic headaches. Conclusions: Since mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a relatively brief psychological intervention, it can be easily implemented at various levels of care, including general practitioners’ offices or headache clinics. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(48): 1904–1910.