A cognitive-behavioral study of self-reported stress factors in migraine headache

Self-reported stress factors in migraine headache were examined from a cognitive-behavioral point of view. 18 migraine patients completed the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule and the Fear Survey Schedule. In addition, the migraine sufferers reported on all factors, either psychological or physical, which they felt were associated with headaches, answered a 'secondary gain' question, and completed a set of questions composed by the author. In conflict with more traditional viewpoints, migraine sufferers do not report themselves to be atypically reactive to ambiguity, uncertainty, or major life changes. Factors which do appear to be involved are quite diverse, and include tension over performed assertiveness behaviors, concern with perfectionism and evaluation, and reactions to small life changes. The impossibility of a cause and effect analysis is noted, and the quantity of reported stress factors is discussed as an argument for the author's concept of homeostatic reconditioning.