The Nature of Recurrent Tension Headache and Stress Experiences

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the length of headache history and stress experience in tension-type headache sufferers. A clinical (headache) interview and five self-report measures were used to compare five subgroups of tension-type headache sufferers as well as tension-type headache sufferers to headache-free controls. No substantial differences were found between the headache subgroups. Statistically significant differences between headache and headachefree groups were found on the number of minor stressful events, the severity rating of minor stressful events and the state anxiety variable. Qualitative differences in the nature of worrisome stressors for the subject groups are presented. Results suggest the need for early intervention, before the experience of headaches contributes to the appraisal of the precipitants to headaches. Attention to the psychophysiological and psychological correlates of new headache sufferers, using the suggested subgroup classification may be beneficial to the underst...