Behavioural treatments: rationale and overview of the most common therapeutic protocols

Abstract

The view of headache as a psychophysiological disorder predates contemporary behavioural research and also the concept that psychosomatic illnesses are the result of specific emotional conflicts that eventually produce physical symptoms. Behavioural interventions include strategies for the identification and modification of behavioural headache triggers and the acquisition and use of self-regulation skills aimed at prevention of headache episodes. Consequently, research in behavioural medicine has matured scientifically, although methodological imperfections have had an impact on contemporary headache management. The evidence suggests that the level of headache improvement with behavioural interventions may rival those obtained by using medications. As side effects and complications are minimal, these approaches are optimal options for young patients or for patients where the medications remain contraindicated.