Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Adolescents with Recurrent Headaches: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Toni Hesse, Laura Graham Holmes, Vicki Kennedy-Overfelt, Lynne M. Kerr, Lisa Giles
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2015 DOI: 10.1155/2015/508958 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot nonrandomized clinical trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Adolescent females with recurrent headaches |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Intervention counseling Headaches Psychotherapist Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 51 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based intervention was feasible and safe, improving depression, quality of life, and pain acceptance, but did not reduce headache frequency or severity. |
Abstract
Recurrent headaches cause significant burden for adolescents and their families. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to reduce stress and alter the experience of pain, reduce pain burden, and improve quality of life. Research indicates that MBIs can benefit adults with chronic pain conditions including headaches. A pilot nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted with 20 adolescent females with recurrent headaches. Median class attendance was 7 of 8 total sessions; average class attendance was 6.10 ± 2.6. Adherence to home practice was good, with participants reporting an average of 4.69 (SD = 1.84) of 6 practices per week. Five participants dropped out for reasons not inherent to the group (e.g., extracurricular scheduling); no adverse events were reported. Parents reported improved quality of life and physical functioning for their child. Adolescent participants reported improved depression symptoms and improved ability to accept their pain rather than trying to control it. MBIs appear safe and feasible for adolescents with recurrent headaches. Although participants did not report decreased frequency or severity of headache following treatment, the treatment had a beneficial effect for depression, quality of life, and acceptance of pain and represents a promising adjunct treatment for adolescents with recurrent headaches.