Behavioral Approaches for Primary Headaches: Recent Advances

Abstract

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.

Keywords: behavior; disability; headache; migraine; quality of life.