Evaluating an Abbreviated Version of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Delivered via Telephone or Videoconferencing Compared to Enhanced Usual Care—Treatment for Migraine and Mood (TEAM-M) Study: Protocol for a Three-Arm Multisite Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundMigraine ranks among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Comorbid depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in patients with migraine and are associated with worsened pain severity, greater migraine-related disability, and poorer migraine prognosis. Despite this burdensome comorbidity, the treatment of these co-occurring disorders has rarely been studied. While mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) shows promise for addressing both migraine-related disability and depressive symptoms, its traditional format—8 weekly 2-hour sessions in person—creates substantial access barriers, particularly for patients who experience frequent debilitating migraine and mood symptoms. ObjectiveThe objective of the Treatment for Migraine and Mood (TEAM-M) trial is to evaluate the feasibility of an abbreviated MBCT intervention (MBCT-Brief) delivered via telephone or videoconferencing in adults with migraine and elevated depressive symptoms. MethodsTEAM-M is a 3-site trial with a goal sample size of 145 adults with episodic migraine and elevated depressive symptoms randomized to MBCT-Brief telephone, MBCT-Brief videoconferencing, or enhanced usual care (EUC). To be eligible, participants must meet the criteria for migraine as defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition, have ≥1 year of migraine history, and have mild to moderate depressive symptoms (scores 5‐19 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9). ResultsOur primary outcomes include treatment feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. Our secondary outcomes include headache disability, migraine-specific quality of life, and depressive symptoms. This trial was funded in May 2021. We began recruitment in November 2023 and completed enrollment in January 2026. As of May 2026, we have randomized 145 participants, of which 104 have completed the intervention and provided data for our primary outcomes. Data analysis is currently in progress, and primary outcome results are expected to be submitted for publication in spring 2027. ConclusionsThe TEAM-M trial addresses a gap in clinical care by evaluating an abbreviated version of MBCT that has scalability and accessibility advantages over full-length MBCT and the potential to address both migraine and depressive symptoms. By reducing the time commitment while maintaining the core MBCT components, MBCT-Brief can potentially address significant access barriers that often prevent patients from receiving evidence-based health care for comorbid physical and mental health symptoms. The remote delivery model offers enhanced scalability. This trial will also yield information about potential differences in telephone versus videoconferencing delivery, which will inform optimal integration into existing primary care and mental health clinic workflows, allowing for improved access to specialized care for mental health and migraine across diverse health care settings.