Self Management of Chronic Headache

Our goal is to develop a comprehensive self-management program for chronic headache sufferersthan can be implemented effectively without therapist intervention. The program will includecomponents of clinic-based and minimal therapist contact interventions that have been demonstratedto be effective for treating chronic headache. These components include 1. a psychobiological modelfor understanding headache and treatment, 2. progressive muscle relaxation, 3. thermal biofeedback,and 4. cognitive behavior therapy. The program will be delivered through a video, a treatmentworkbook, and a set of audiotapes. The program will be structured in an eight-week sequence, with thegradual introduction of appropriate skills as treatment progresses. A primary innovation of this productwill be the use of a video to introduce important concepts and to facilitate learning of treatment skills.During Phase I, treatment material will be developed in conjunction with leading experts in the behavioraltreatment of chronic headache, and feasibility of the program will be tested in a small-scale study with12 chronic headache sufferers. At the end of the Phase I study, information gathered will be used toguide further product development in preparation for a Phase II efficacy trial.