Effectiveness and influence of mindfulness-based intervention on migraine patients: A systematic review and
Yu-Chi Liao1, Wen-Shuan Chen2, Winda Putri Diah Restya3
1Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Center for Prevention and Treatment of Internet Addiction, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Clinical Psychology Center, Asia University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Purpose:
Migraines are among the top causes of global disability and are often managed with pharmacological treatments, which may produce adverse effects. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as promising non-pharmacological approaches, yet existing studies report mixed findings. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effectiveness of MBIs in improving pain, psychological, and functional outcomes among adults with migraine.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults (≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of migraine. Four databases-Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and ProQuest Central-were searched from 1982 to July 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Meta-analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 4 and R.
Results:
Fourteen RCTs with 1027 participants were included. MBIs were associated with significant reductions in pain intensity (standardized mean difference: 0.23 [95 % CI: 0.11-0.35]) and pain frequency (0.33 [0.11-0.54]), as well as improvements in quality of life (0.24 [0.08-0.40]). Psychological outcomes improved significantly, including anxiety (0.37 [0.14-0.61]), depression (0.26 [0.06-0.45]), and pain catastrophizing (0.57 [0.35-0.80]). No significant effects were found for activity-related disability (0.18 [-0.01-0.38]) or use of analgesic medications (0.07 [-0.06-0.20]) and triptans (0.04 [-0.13-0.21]).
Conclusions:
MBIs may serve as effective complements to pharmacological treatments for migraine. They significantly reduce pain intensity, attack frequency, and psychological symptoms, while modestly improving quality of life. These findings support integrating mindfulness practices into routine migraine care to promote psychological well-being and reduce symptom burden.
