Behavioral Approaches to the Treatment of Migraine

 

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ABSTRACT

Behavioral interventions such as biofeedback training, relaxation training, and cognitive-behavior stress management therapy have been identified as efficacious treatments for migraine headache. These treatments, and the formats (clinic-based, limited-contact, and home-based) in which they are taught, are described in this article. Information about public health interventions (school, work, Internet, and mass media) is also briefly addressed. Results of studies examining the efficacy of behavioral treatments, how behavioral treatments compare in effectiveness, and how they can be integrated with pharmacotherapy are reviewed for both adult and pediatric populations. Finally, the role of behavioral treatments in migraine treatment guidelines is discussed, and factors that are associated with response to behavioral treatments are reviewed.

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Kenneth A HolroydPh.D. 

Edwin and Ruth Kennedy Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychology, Ohio University

225 Porter Hall, Athens, OH 45701-2979