Headache Management Self-efficacy Research Articles

Effects of Introvision, a self-regulation method with a mindfulness-based perception technique in migraine prevention: a monocentric randomized waiting-list controlled study (IntroMig Study)

BackgroundMigraine is a brain disorder with recurrent headache attacks and altered sensory processing. Introvision is a self-regulation method based on mindfulness-like perception techniques, developed at the University of Hamburg. Here, we examined the effect of Introvision in migraine prevention.MethodsMigraineurs with at least five headache days per month were block-randomized to the experimental group (EG) or waiting list group (WL), the latter starting Introvision training six weeks after the EG. Participants learned Introvision in six weekly on-site group sessions with video-conference support followed by three individual video-conference sessions. Headache diaries and questionnaires were obtained before Introvision training and three months after the last individual Introvision session.ResultsFifty-one patients completed the study. The primary outcome, headache days of the EG after Introvision training compared to those of the WL before the training, showed no significant effect (10.6 ± 7.7, n = 22; vs. 10.9 ± 6.3, n = 29, p = 0.63; Mann–Whitney-U-Test). The secondary outcome, comparing pooled EG and WL data before and after Introvision training, revealed a significant reduction of headache days (from 11.7 ± 6.5 to 9.8 ± 7.0; p = 0.003; Wilcoxon-paired-Test) as well as of acute medication intake and Headache-Impact-Test 6 (HIT-6) scores and increased self-efficacy as quantified by increased FKMS-scores (FKMS: german short form of the Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE)).ConclusionAlthough the study did not reach its primary endpoint, several secondary outcome parameters in the pooled (non-controlled) pre-post analysis showed an improvement with a decrease in monthly headache days by 1.9 days/ month. A larger randomized controlled trial has to corroborate these preliminary findings.Trial registrationNCT03507400, Registration date 09.03.2018.

Mechanisms of change in posttraumatic headache-related disability: A mediation model.

To explore whether the association between change in headache management self-efficacy and posttraumatic headache-related disability is partially mediated by achange in anxiety symptom severity. Many cognitive-behavioral therapy treatments for headache emphasize stress management, which includes anxiety management strategies;however, little is currently known about mechanisms of change in posttraumatic headache-related disability. Increasing our understanding of mechanisms could lead to improvements in treatments for these debilitating headaches. This study is a secondary analysis of veterans (N=193) recruited to participate in a randomized clinical trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, or treatment as usual for persistent posttraumatic headache. The direct relationship between headache management self-efficacy and headache-related disability, along with partial mediation through change in anxiety symptoms was tested. The mediated latent change direct, mediated, and total pathways were statistically significant. The path analysis supported a significant direct pathway between headache management self-efficacy and headache-related disability (b=-0.45, p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI: -0.58, -0.33]). The total effect of change of headache management self-efficacy scores on change in Headache Impact Test-6 scores was significant with a moderate-to-strong effect (b=-0.57, p=0.001; 95% CI [-0.73, -0.41]). There was also an indirect effect through anxiety symptom severity change (b=-0.12, p=0.003; 95% CI [-0.20, -0.04]). In this study, most of the improvements in headache-related disability were related to increased headache management self-efficacy with mediation occurring through change in anxiety. This indicates that headache management self-efficacy is a likely mechanism of change of posttraumatic headache-related disability with decreases in anxiety explaining part of the improvement in headache-related disability.

Brazilian version of headache management self-efficacy scale

Background Headache-management self-efficacy has been associated with pain severity and headache-related disability. Objective The aim of this study was to test the cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of a Brazilian version of the Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE) in a sample of patients coming from three tertiary headache centers in Brazil. Methods 137 migraine outpatients completed the Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE) and measures of psychopathological symptoms, pain catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, quality of life and headache-related disability. Results HMSE-10 showed good reliability (α = 0.84) and adequate corrected item-total correlation, ranging from 0.46 to 0.64. HMSE-10 was positively correlated with 6 of 8 domains of overall health status and negatively correlated with psychopathological symptoms, depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, headache-related disability, headache frequency and headache intensity. The difference between the means of the episodic and chronic headache patients had a magnitude of moderate effect in all the study measures, being headache-related disability the largest one found (d = 0.68). Along with headache intensity and depression, Efficacy Scale beliefs were predictors of headache-related disability. Conclusions The Brazilian short version of Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE-10) was revealed as a valid and reliable measure of headache-specific Efficacy Scale beliefs.

Effectiveness of Biofeedback for Primary Headache - A Randomized Controlled Study

Biofeedback-treatment for primary headache is highly recommended. Its expenses are mostly not or not completely covered by health funds, hindering the implementation in the care system. This randomized controlled study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a biofeedback-treatment for primary headache in the outpatient care system all over Germany. The participants were divided into a direct treatment-group (n=41) and a waiting control-group (n=29). The treatment was carried out for 8-11 sessions with vasoconstriction-/vasodilation training for migraine, with electromyography training for headache of the tension type (diagnosis according to the criteria of the International Headache Association). Headache characteristics (frequency, duration, intensity) were collected via headache-diary before, during and after the treatment and headache specific disability using the Pain Disability Index before and after the treatment. The waiting group stated additional information of the questionnaires about 3 months before and again ultimately before the start of the treatment. Measurement of the headache specific self-efficacy (Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale) took place every second session. For the collected parameters the effect sizes f2 or r were computed before in comparison to after the treatment and comparing the treatment-group to the waiting-group. Headache characteristics decreased during the time of the study significantly linearly with medium to strong effects (frequency f2=0.302, p<0.001, duration f2=0.186, p<0.001, mean intensity f2=0.502, p<0.001, maximal intensity f2=0.546, p<0.001). Using biofeedback the self-efficacy rose significantly (p<0.001, r=0.782), even compared to the waiting time (p<0.001, r=0.604). Additionally the handling of pain, the psychological disability and the disability in everyday life improved significantly. Overall the effects were comparable to already existing studies. Therefore biofeedback turned out to be efficient against migraine and tension-type headache in the out-patient care setting. By that a better integration in the care system seems to be qualified.

Enhancing migraine self-efficacy and reducing disability through a self-management program.

Chronic migraine is a primary headache disorder affecting approximately 3-7 million individuals in the United States. This condition is associated with significant individual and societal consequences, causing impaired function and high levels of health care utilization. The aim of this quasi-experimental single cohort study was to determine if an 8-week outpatient self-management program for chronic migraine would decrease migraine disability and enhance self-efficacy. This was a prospective, single cohort, pre- and postintervention pilot study. Fifteen adults aged 18-65 years who met the criteria for diagnosis of chronic migraine were enrolled in the study through convenience sampling. Participants participated in an evidence-based self-management program with multimodal formats including verbal, written, video, and online materials. Outcome measures included migraine disability (using Migraine Disability Assessment tool [MIDAS]), headache self-efficacy (using Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale [HMSE]), acute medication use, and migraine frequency. Participants also completed a postintervention survey to assess satisfaction. Findings showed a reduction in MIDAS scores, acute medication use, and frequency of migraine. Outcomes also included an increase in HMSE scores and a trend of improved health behaviors. Acute medication use decreased by more than 50%, and frequency of migraine and headache days reduced by close to 40%. Despite high rates of disability, patient education and self-management programs for chronic migraine are not readily available. The findings of this study encourage use of a hybrid clinic and web-based self-management model to improve migraine disability and self-efficacy.

An individually tailored behavioral medicine treatment in physical therapy for tension-type headache - two experimental case studies.

AimThe aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the effect of an individually tailored behavioral medicine treatment in physical therapy, based on a functional behavioral analysis (FBA), for tension-type headache (TTH).Patients and methodsTwo case studies with A1-A2-B-A3 design of two patients with TTH was conducted. Outcome variables were headache frequency, headache index (mean intensity), consumption of analgesics, self-efficacy in headache management (Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale [HMSE]), disability, and perceived loss of happiness for activities with family and friends.ResultsThe results showed that headache frequency and headache index decreased for one of the patients. Self-efficacy in headache management increased markedly for both patients.ConclusionA behavioral medicine treatment in physical therapy based on an FBA can be a way for physical therapists to handle patients with TTH. Future investigations should focus on large group studies with longer observation periods.

Pilot Study of the Feasibility of a Short Biofeedback Treatment of Chronic Headache in the Outpatient Care System

Introduction: Although biofeedback has been shown to be an effective treatment of tension-type headache and migraine, it has not been well implemented in the outpatient care system yet. Central aims of this randomized controlled pilot study were to examine the feasibility and implementation of a short biofeedback treatment of chronic headache in the outpatient care system, to estimate standardized effect sizes for treatment outcome, and to investigate the influence of expectancies on treatment outcomes. Methods: In this pilot study, the patients (N=18) were diagnosed according to the criteria defined by the International Headache Society and randomized afterwards. Patients received 8-11 sessions of biofeedback (depending on the indication: Electromyography biofeedback, Vasoconstriction-/Vasodilatation training or a combination of both). Outcome assessments took place before and after the biofeedback treatment via questionnaires. Hedges' g was computed based on change scores of treatment expectancies, session performance (patients and therapists), headache-specific self-efficacy (Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale-Short form), headache-related variables (Pain Disability Index, German Pain Coping Questionnaire) and comorbid strain (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Pearson-correlations were calculated for the relations of change scores. Results: Effect sizes for most of the assessed expectancies and coping were high (g=0.94-1.45). Improvements in the willingness to practice and disability in everyday life were moderate (g=0.40-0.51). The correlations between patients' expectancies and disability or coping were medium (r=- 0,42 - 0.41). Results showed a moderate negative correlation between the patient-rated session performance and depression (r=-0.33). Discussion and Conclusion: The short biofeedback treatment showed a good feasibility and implementation in the outpatient care system, with pilot results indicating effectiveness. The documented associations between patient-rated and therapist-rated expectancies and the treatment outcome emphasize the importance of the assessment of expectancies.

Ecological momentary assessment of the relationship between headache pain intensity and pain interference in women with migraine and obesity

Background While pain intensity during migraine headache attacks is known to be a determinant of interference with daily activities, no study has evaluated: (a) the pain intensity-interference association in real-time on a per-headache basis, (b) multiple interference domains, and (c) factors that modify the association. Methods Participants were 116 women with overweight/obesity and migraine seeking behavioral treatment to lose weight and decrease headaches in the Women's Health and Migraine trial. Ecological momentary assessment, via smartphone-based 28-day headache diary, and linear mixed-effects models were used to study associations between pain intensity and total- and domain-specific interference scores using the Brief Pain Inventory. Multiple factors (e.g. pain catastrophizing (PC) and headache management self-efficacy (HMSE)) were evaluated either as independent predictors or moderators of the pain intensity-interference relationship. Results Pain intensity predicted degree of pain interference across all domains either as a main effect (coeff = 0.61-0.78, p < 0.001) or interaction with PC, allodynia, and HMSE ( p < 0.05). Older age and greater allodynia consistently predicted higher interference, regardless of pain intensity (coeff = 0.04-0.19, p < 0.05). Conclusions Pain intensity is a consistent predictor of pain interference on migraine headache days. Allodynia, PC, and HMSE moderated the pain intensity-interference relationship, and may be promising targets for interventions to reduce pain interference.

The mediating role of pain acceptance during mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for headache

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine if mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) engenders improvement in headache outcomes via the mechanisms specified by theory: (1) change in psychological process, (i.e., pain acceptance); and concurrently (2) change in cognitive content, (i.e., pain catastrophizing; headache management self-efficacy). DesignA secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT to a medical treatment as usual, delayed treatment (DT) control was conducted. Participants were individuals with headache pain who completed MBCT or DT (N=24) at the Kilgo Headache Clinic or psychology clinic. Standardized measures of the primary outcome (pain interference) and proposed mediators were administered at pre- and post-treatment; change scores were calculated. Bootstrap mediation models were conducted. ResultsPain acceptance emerged as a significant mediator of the group-interference relation (p<.05). Mediation models examining acceptance subscales showed nuances in this effect, with activity engagement emerging as a significant mediator (p<.05), but pain willingness not meeting criteria for mediation due to a non-significant pathway from the mediator to outcome. Criteria for mediation was also not met for the catastrophizing or self-efficacy models as neither of these variables significantly predicted pain interference. ConclusionsPain acceptance, and specifically engagement in valued activities despite pain, may be a key mechanism underlying improvement in pain outcome during a MBCT for headache pain intervention. The theorized mediating role of cognitive content factors was not supported in this preliminary study. A large, definitive trial is warranted to replicate and extend the findings in order to streamline and optimize MBCT for headache.

Development of a measure of self-efficacy for acute headache medication adherence.

Acute medication adherence is essential to manage chronic, episodic disorders, including headache. This paper describes the development of a measure of acute medication self-efficacy for headache (AMSE-H). Phase 1: 14 AMSE-H items were generated through qualitative interviews with 21 patients and 15 clinical headache experts. Phase 2: Researchers selected 7 AMSE-H items by examining item performance in 35 headache patients. Phase 3: Migraine patients (n=161) completed the AMSE-H, and measures of outcome expectancies, perceived access to medication, headache management self-efficacy (n=58) and a 1-week AMSE-H re-test (n=103). Content validity was established through input of multiple stakeholder groups during item generation. PCA identified two components: cross-episode self-efficacy (eigenvalue=3.4) and Episode-Specific Self-Efficacy (eigenvalue=1.0). These subscales are internally consistent (.73-.80), have low 1-week test-retest reliability (rs=.52-.66), and demonstrated solid construct and discriminant validity. The AMSE-H is brief, theory-driven, focused, socially valid measure acceptable to both patients and providers.

Mediator Variables in Headache Research: Methodological Critique and Exemplar Using Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Headache Severity and Disability.

Despite advances in headache medicine, there remains little research on process-related variables that mediate relations between headache and outcomes, as well as limited dissemination of optimal statistical methodology for conducting mediation analyses. The present paper thus aims to promote and demonstrate a contemporary approach to mediation analysis as applied to headache. An overview of a contemporary path-analytic approach to mediation analysis is presented, with an empirical exemplar for illustrative purposes. In the exemplar, headache management self-efficacy (HMSE) was proposed as a mediator between headache severity and disability. The sample included 907 young adults (M age = 19.03 [SD = 2.26]; 70.8% female) with primary headache. Direct and indirect effects of headache severity on headache disability through HMSE were assessed using the espoused methods. Pain severity was positively associated with headache disability (β = 2.91, 95% confidence interval [CI; 2.62, 3.19]) and negatively associated with HMSE (β = -3.50, 95% CI [-4.24, -2.76]); HMSE was negatively associated with headache disability (β = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.09, -0.04]). A positive indirect effect of pain severity on disability through HMSE was identified (point estimate = 0.24, 95% CI [0.14, 0.34]); thus, self-efficacy mediated the association between pain severity and disability. The proposed mediation model accounted for 38% of total variance in disability (P < .001). There is a need for theory-driven and statistically rigorous mediation analyses within the headache literature. In one exemplar application, self-efficacy partially accounted for the disability resulting from headache. We advocate for increased attention to intervening variables in headache via dissemination of contemporary mediation analyses.

Clinical Pain Catastrophizing in Women With Migraine and Obesity.

Obesity is related to migraine. Maladaptive pain coping strategies (eg, pain catastrophizing) may provide insight into this relationship. In women with migraine and obesity, we cross-sectionally assessed: (1) prevalence of clinical catastrophizing; (2) characteristics of those with and without clinical catastrophizing; and (3) associations of catastrophizing with headache features. Obese women migraineurs seeking weight loss treatment (n = 105) recorded daily migraine activity for 1 month via smartphone and completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Clinical catastrophizing was defined as total PCS score ≥30. The six-item Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), 12-item Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC-12), Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE), and assessments for depression (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and anxiety (seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale) were also administered. Using PCS scores and body mass index (BMI) as predictors in linear regression, we modeled a series of headache features (ie, headache days, HIT-6, etc) as outcomes. One quarter (25.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 17.2-34.1%) of participants met criteria for clinical catastrophizing: they had higher BMI (37.9 ± 7.5 vs 34.4 ± 5.7 kg/m(2) , P = .035); longer migraine attack duration (160.8 ± 145.0 vs 97.5 ± 75.2 hours/month, P = .038); higher HIT-6 scores (68.7 ± 4.6 vs 64.5 ± 3.9, P < .001); more allodynia (7.0 ± 4.1 vs 4.5 ± 3.5, P < .003), depression (25.4 ± 12.4 vs 13.3 ± 9.2, P < .001), and anxiety (11.0 ± 5.2 vs 5.6 ± 4.1, P < .001); and lower self-efficacy (80.1 ± 25.6 vs 104.7 ± 18.9, P < .001) compared with participants without clinical catastrophizing. The odds of chronic migraine were nearly fourfold greater in those with (n = 8/29.6%) vs without (n = 8/10.3%) clinical catastrophizing (odds ratio = 3.68; 95%CI = 1.22-11.10, P = .021). In all participants, higher PCS scores were related to more migraine days (β = 0.331, P = .001), longer attack duration (β = 0.390, P < .001), higher HIT-6 scores (β = 0.425, P < .001), and lower HMSE scores (β = -0.437, P < .001). Higher BMI, but not higher PCS scores, was related to more frequent attacks (β = -0.203, P = .044). One quarter of participants with migraine and obesity reported clinical catastrophizing. These individuals had more frequent attacks/chronicity, longer attack duration, higher pain sensitivity, greater headache impact, and lower headache management self-efficacy. In all participants, PCS scores were related to several migraine characteristics, above and beyond the effects of obesity. Prospective studies are needed to determine sequence and mechanisms of relationships between catastrophizing, obesity, and migraine.

German Language Adaptation of the Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE-G) and Development of a New Short Form (HMSE-G-SF).

This study aims to develop and validate a German version of French and colleagues' Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale and to construct an abbreviated form for use in behavioral headache research. Furthermore, the contribution of headache-specific self-efficacy to pain-related disability in German chronic headache sufferers was examined. Headache-specific self-efficacy refers to an individuals' confidence that they can engage in behaviors to either prevent headache episodes or to manage headache-related pain and disability. Self-efficacy beliefs have been shown repeatedly to be positively associated with psychological well-being, effective coping, and enhanced treatment outcomes. A cross-sectional sample of 304 individuals diagnosed with either migraine, chronic tension-type headache, or a combination of 2 or more headache disorders completed the German Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale and questionnaires assessing headache activity, pain-related coping, general self-efficacy, depression, and anxiety. Responsiveness of the scale was analyzed in a longitudinal subsample of 32 inpatients undergoing headache treatment. Finally, a short form was constructed and evaluated regarding psychometric properties. The German Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale showed good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.87) as did the 6-item short form (Cronbach's α = 0.72). In the longitudinal sample, both versions showed a good ability to change over time (SRM= 0.52-1.16). Chronic headache patients with higher levels of self-efficacy reported lower levels of disability (r = -0.26 to -0.31). Multiple regression analyses revealed headache intensity and headache-specific self-efficacy as strongest predictors of headache-related disability (βself-efficacy = -0.21, βintensity = 0.26). Both the 25-item version and the 6-item version appear to be valid, reliable measures of self-efficacy beliefs. These scales will allow clinicians to identify headache sufferers with low levels of headache-specific self-efficacy with the goal of enhancing this expectancy for improvement. The new short form can help accomplish this goal without adding significantly to the burden of the self-report assessment batteries used in clinical settings.

Race, psychiatric comorbidity, and headache characteristics in patients in headache subspecialty treatment clinics

Objective. This research examined how race, psychiatric comorbidity, and headache characteristics are inter-related in patients with severe headache disorders. Design. This study used a naturalistic cohort design and assessed 114 Black and 173 White patients receiving treatment in headache subspecialty clinics in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo, OH. Face-to-face interviews yielded headache and psychiatric diagnoses; 30-day daily diaries collected data on headache frequency, severity, and disability; and self-administered surveys obtained data on headache management self-efficacy, headache locus of control, and quality of life. Results. Compared with Whites, Blacks reported more frequent and severe headaches, were more likely to be diagnosed with depressive disorders, and were more likely to be diagnosed with chronic headaches. White and Black patients diagnosed with both depression and anxiety reported the most frequent headache days per month and the lowest levels of life quality and headache management self-efficacy. Conclusions. Additional research on race, psychiatric comorbidity, and headache characteristics is needed that can inform culturally contextualized interventions for persons with severe headache disorders.

Preventive Medication Adherence in African American and Caucasian Headache Patients

To examine race-related differences in adherence to preventive medication agents in headache patients and identify factors predictive of medication adherence in Caucasian and African American headache patients. Using a longitudinal naturalistic study design, data from 77 Caucasian and 32 African American headache patients were collected through (1) 30-day daily diaries that assessed medication adherence, headache frequency, and headache episode severity; (2) self-administered surveys that assessed headache management self-efficacy; and (3) telephone-administered psychiatric interviews that yielded psychiatric diagnoses. Using daily diary adherence data, patients' adherence to preventive agents was dichotomized as "Inconsistent" (ie, adhered fewer than 80% of days) or "Consistent" (ie, adhered ≥ 80% of days during the past month). The proportion of adherent African American patients (69%) did not differ significantly from the proportion of adherent Caucasian patients (82%). Exploratory univariate logistic regression analyses found that preventive medication adherence levels of 80% or less were associated with being diagnosed with major depressive disorder and lower levels of headache management self-efficacy. Future research should test if interventions that reduce depressive symptoms and increase patients' levels of headache management self-efficacy can produce concomitant increases in adherence to preventive headache agents.

Psychosocial headache measures in Caucasian and African American headache patients: Psychometric attributes and measurement invariance

As research increasingly examines differences in headache characteristics between Caucasian and African American headache patients, it is requisite to determine the equivalence of existing headache measures for both racial groups. This study examined the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of four widely used psychosocial headache measures. Caucasians (N = 173) and African Americans (N = 114) receiving treatment in four headache subspecialty clinics throughout Ohio completed the Headache Disability Inventory (HDI), the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQL) measure, the Headache Management Self-Efficacy (HMSE) scale, and the Headache-Specific Locus of Control (HSLC) scale prior to initiating new preventive therapies. All measures demonstrated good internal consistency and measurement invariance. Despite adequate measurement invariance, the recommended factor structure of the HMSE scale yielded a poor fit for both African American and Caucasian patients. With perhaps the exception of the HMSE scale, the HDI, MSQL scale and HSLC scale are psychometrically sound and can be used with both Caucasian and African American headache patients.

Psychometric properties of the Danish versions of Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale and Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale

The purpose of the study is to test the cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of a Danish version of the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale (HSLC) and the Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE) in a tertiary headache centre. HSLC and HMSE are headache-specific measures of locus of control (LOC) and SE. The Danish versions of the HSLC and the HMSE were created according to the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures. The HSLC and HMSE were administered to 135 consecutively referred headache patients in a tertiary headache centre together with other self-report measures concerning general distress, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life. Internal stability of the HSLC subscales and the HMSE were analysed using Chronbach’s α coefficient. The psychometric properties of the Danish version of the HSLC and the HMSE were analysed using Spearman’s rank correlation test. Cronbach’s α ranged from 0.71 to 0.88 and the corrected item-total correlations were acceptable. The mean corrected item-total correlations for the three subscales of HSLC (health-care LOC, internal LOC, and chance LOC) were 0.40, 0.59, and 0.40 respectively. The mean corrected item-total correlation for HMSE was 0.42. High HMSE scores were found to be associated with high scores on internal LOC and low scores on chance LOC. High scores on chance LOC were positively associated with low scores on social functioning independently of headache frequency. The results are consistent with the earlier findings of the original American versions of HMSE and HSLC. These scales seem to be valid and valuable tools for testing of psychological aspects related to level of functioning and quality of life for headache patients across different cultures of Western society. The HMSE and the HSLC proved valuable in clinical headache research. Since scores on HSLC and HMSE were associated with measures of physical and social functioning the HSLC and HMSE may be of particular interest for intervention studies aimed at enhancing level of functioning for headache patients.

Moderation and mediation in the psychological and drug treatment of chronic tension-type headache: The role of disorder severity and psychiatric comorbidity

We evaluated two putative moderators of treatment outcome as well as the role of Headache Management Self-Efficacy (HMSE) in mediating treatment outcomes in the drug and non-drug treatment of chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). Subjects were 169 participants (M=38yrs.; 77% female; M headache days/mo.=22) who received one of four treatments in the treatment of CTTH trial (JAMA, 2001; 285: 2208–15): tricyclic antidepressant medication, placebo, (cognitive-behavioral) stress-management therapy plus placebo, and stress-management therapy plus antidepressant medication. Severity of CTTH disorder and the presence of a psychiatric (mood or anxiety) disorder were found to moderate outcomes obtained with the three active treatments and with placebo, as well as to moderate the role of HMSE in mediating improvements. Both moderator effects appeared to reflect the differing influence of the moderator variable on each of the three active treatments, as well as the fact that the moderator variables exerted the opposite effect on placebo than on the active treatments. HMSE mediated treatment outcomes in the two stress-management conditions, but the pattern of HMSE mediation was complex, varying with the treatment condition, the outcome measure, and the moderator variable. Irrespective of the severity of the CTTH disorder HMSE fully mediated observed improvements in headache activity in the two stress-management conditions. However, for patients with a mood or anxiety disorder HMSE only partially mediated improvements in headache disability, suggesting an additional therapeutic mechanism is required to explain observed improvements in headache disability in the two stress-management conditions.

Emotional approach coping and self‐efficacy moderate the effects of written emotional disclosure and relaxation training for people with migraine headaches

We tested whether emotional skills and headache management self-efficacy (HMSE) moderated effects of written emotional disclosure (WED) compared with control writing and a different intervention, relaxation training (RT). Undergraduates with migraine headaches reported emotional approach coping (EAC) and HMSE; were randomized to WED, RT, or control; and assessed on health measures at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Greater EAC predicted improvement following WED compared with RT and control, whereas low HMSE predicted improvement following both WED and RT, compared with control. Emotional skill may specifically - and low health management self-efficacy may generally - predict positive responses to WED.

Race Differences in Adherence to Headache Treatment Appointments in Persons with Headache Disorders

This research characterized patterns and predictors of adherence to headache treatment appointments in patients presenting at headache specialty treatment clinics throughout Ohio. Participants were 186 patients (118 white, 68 African Americans, 89% female) in headache treatment clinics in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, OH. The study used a naturalistic longitudinal cohort design and assessed patients during four treatment visits (pretreatment, one-month follow-up, two-month follow-up and six-month follow-up). During the 30 days prior to initiating new headache treatments, patients used a daily diary to record data on headache severity, frequency and disability; headache treatment locus of control and headache management self-efficacy; social support; and demographic characteristics. The Primary Care Evaluation for Mental Disorders interview was administered to all patients at pretreatment to screen for psychiatric diagnoses. Patient attendance at the four treatment appointments was used to create a dichotomous measure of treatment appointment adherence (i.e., 0 = completed treatment; 1 = terminated treatment prematurely). African Americans were more likely to be diagnosed with depression than whites and were more likely to prematurely terminate their headache treatment appointments regardless of their socioeconomic status (SES). White patients with SES values above the median reported the lowest rate of premature treatment termination. Higher SES enables whites (but not African Americans) to attend all headache treatment appointments. Interventions that enable African-American headache patients to complete their prescribed headache treatments are urgently needed.