Behavioral Approaches for Primary Headaches: Recent Advances

Background Behavioral treatments in the management of primary headache disorders in adults and children are increasingly being recognized as effective; however, the level and durability of their effectiveness is still a matter of debate. This review aims to provide more updated information on the ef...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Headache 2018-06, Vol.58 (6), p.913-925
Main Authors: Raggi, Alberto, Grignani, Eleonora, Leonardi, Matilde, Andrasik, Frank, Sansone, Emanuela, Grazzi, Licia, D'Amico, Domenico
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Adults
Anxiety
behavior
Behavior modification
Behavior Therapy
Children
Chronic conditions
Chronic illnesses
Cognitive ability
disability
Disorders
Drug therapy
Durability
Headache
Headache Disorders, Primary - therapy
Headaches
Humans
Mental depression
migraine
Nursing
Observational Studies as Topic
Pharmacology
Pregnancy
Quality of life
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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Summary:Background Behavioral treatments in the management of primary headache disorders in adults and children are increasingly being recognized as effective; however, the level and durability of their effectiveness is still a matter of debate. This review aims to provide more updated information on the effects of behavioral therapies in adults and adolescents with primary headache disorders, with a special focus on new and emerging behavioral treatments. Methods We searched SCOPUS for peer‐reviewed papers that reported randomized controlled trial or observational studies addressing behavioral treatment for headache disorders published in the period January 2010 to October 2017. Results A total of 22 publications, in which 2110 participants were recruited, were included in the review. Most of the studies referred to cognitive behavioral therapies, and a reduction of headache frequency higher than 35% was generally reported irrespective of the approach. In addition, valuable impact disability and quality of life was observed, as well as improvements in depression, anxiety, self‐efficacy, and intake of medications. Conclusions Behavioral approaches are effective and less prone to produce side or harmful effects, which makes them a valid option particularly for women who are pregnant or nursing, people with other chronic conditions requiring pharmacological treatments putting them at risk for drug‐drug interactions, and children.
ISSN:0017-8748
1526-4610
DOI:10.1111/head.13337