An Integrative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Adults With Migraine: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Objective To present a novel cognitive behavioral therapy program that was developed exclusively for adults with migraine, and to assess the feasibility of this program.

Background Unlike previous efforts, we combined different approaches of behavioral therapy into one program: relaxation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trigger management.

Methods The treatment program consists of 7 sessions (including psychoeducation, lifestyle counseling, coping with fear of attacks, trigger management, and stress management). The research was conducted in a single‐group study with N = 9 completers (age: M = 41.6, SD = 17.6 years; N = 8 female, N = 1 male; N = 5 migraine without aura, N = 2 migraine with aura, N = 2 chronic migraine). After each of the group therapy sessions, evaluation questionnaires were filled out, and individual qualitative interviews were conducted after completion of the program.

Results The treatment program was very well accepted. Every session was rated as comprehensible, and overall satisfaction with the sessions was high. Participants greatly appreciated having access to a specific treatment, exclusively addressing migraine.

Conclusions The idea of combining several approaches of behavioral therapy into a specific treatment program for migraine seems to be feasible and promising. A randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of our program is currently running. Show more