The effectiveness of mindfulness as a complementary therapy in headache patients: a preliminary interventional study

A mindfulness-based stress reduction program for people with chronic headache and medication overuse reduced anxiety and depression, increased mindfulness, and improved quality of life. Fourteen participants completed eight weekly sessions of the MBSR protocol. Before and after the intervention, they filled out questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, mindful awareness, and health-related quality of life. Scores showed significant improvements in all areas. The program helped manage both physical pain and emotional distress, suggesting it can be a useful part of multidisciplinary chronic pain treatment.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have highlighted that mindfulness-based therapies, particularly the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, can help foster greater awareness and improve the management of stress and chronic pain. Mindfulness is defined as a form of awareness that is intentionally cultivated in the present moment, characterized by an attitude of openness and non-judgment. Numerous studies have shown that the MBSR program can have positive effects on psychophysical adaptation in individuals suffering from various clinical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic pain, sleep disorders, migraine, anxiety, and depression. Methods: The study included 14 participants suffering from chronic migraine with medication overuse headache (MOH) and tension-type headache associated with analgesic abuse. Each participant completed the MBSR protocol, consisting of eight weekly sessions. The intervention was accompanied by pre- and post-treatment assessments using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires. Data collected at the two observation points, before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention, were subsequently analyzed to identify any statistically significant differences in scores. Results: The application of the MBSR protocol resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels, a notable increase in mindfulness propensity, and a significant improvement in perceived quality of life. Conclusions: The study results confirm the effectiveness of the MBSR protocol in reducing anxiety and depression, enhancing mindfulness awareness, and improving the quality of life in patients with chronic headache-related pain. The intervention proved useful not only in managing physical pain but also in providing psychological support, thereby helping to alleviate emotional and psychosocial distress. The data suggest that MBSR can be effectively integrated into a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain treatment, promoting overall well-being.