The Durability of Relaxation Training in Pediatric Headache Management

Abstract

The long-term effects of relaxation training for pediatric headache disorders was determined for all four original participants from a multiple baseline across subjects design. Long-term follow-up data were collected at a mean of 81 months post-treatment.

All participants reported some increases in headache activity from 12-month to long-term follow-up, but at relatively low levels compared with baseline. Headache-free days were 51% to 86% fewer. Headache severity was 81% to 94% better, and headache duration was 75% to 94% better than baseline levels. Medication used was limited to over-the-counter analgesics on an as-needed basis for all subjects.

Three subjects (75%) stated that they would recommend relaxation training to other individuals experiencing headaches. The results of this study support the conclusion that relaxation training is an effective longterm treatment for migraine, tension, and mixed headache disorders originating in childhood or adolescence.

Keywords

behavior therapy chronic pain

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