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Psychological treatments for migraine
1Psychology Department, IWK-Grace Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Psychological and behavioral therapies, including biofeedback and relaxation, effectively manage migraine for most patients. These beneficial effects are sustained long-term, though treatment mechanisms require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder impacting millions globally.
- Current treatment paradigms often involve pharmacological interventions, with varying efficacy and side effect profiles.
- Psychological and behavioral approaches offer alternative or complementary management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting the efficacy of psychological and behavioral treatments for migraine.
- To discuss the application of these treatments across diverse demographic groups and specific migraine types.
- To identify gaps in knowledge regarding treatment mechanisms and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on psychological and behavioral migraine therapies.
- Analysis of treatment effectiveness data for biofeedback, relaxation, and stress-coping strategies.
- Examination of studies focusing on pediatric, adolescent, elderly, and menstrual migraine populations.
Main Results:
- Biofeedback, relaxation, and stress-coping treatments demonstrate significant efficacy in migraine management.
- Positive treatment outcomes are observed in a majority of migraine sufferers.
- Treatment benefits are reliably maintained for at least one year post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Psychological and behavioral interventions are effective, evidence-based options for migraine treatment.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the mechanisms underlying treatment efficacy.
- Enhancing treatment effectiveness and promoting wider acceptance of these therapies are important future goals.