Migraine Treatment
Psychological and behavioral treatments for migraine are described and
evidence for their efficacy is reviewed. Treatments for children,
adolescents, and the elderly, and for menstrual migraine are then
discussed. Biofeedback, relaxation, and stress-coping treatments have
all demonstrated effectiveness. These treatments are effective for the
majority of migraine sufferers and treatment effects are reliably
maintained for periods of at least one year. Little is known about the
mechanism behind the efficacy of psychological treatments. Suggestions
for future research on treatment mechanisms, enhancement of treatment
effectiveness, and increasing the acceptance of psychological treatments
are provided.
