One-day behavioral treatment for patients with comorbid depression and migraine: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a common and disabling disorder that is highly comorbid with depression. The comorbidity of depression and migraine is a major health concern as it results in poorer prognosis and quality of life. Yet, effective treatments have rarely been investigated.

Method: 45 patients with comorbid migraine and depression were assigned to a 1-day Acceptance and Commitment Training plus Migraine Education workshop (ACT-ED; N = 31) or to Wait List/Treatment as Usual (WL/TAU; N = 14). Assessment of depressive symptoms, general functioning, and migraine related disability were completed at baseline and 2-, 6-, and 12 weeks after the workshop.

Results: At the 3-month follow up, participants in the ACT-ED condition exhibited significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms, general functioning, and migraine-related disability than patients in the WL/TAU group.

Conclusion: A 1-day ACT-ED workshop is a promising approach to the treatment for depression and disability in migraineurs that merits further investigation.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in this study

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Participant flow chart for the treatment trial.

Figure 2

Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms - General Depression mean scores for the ACT-ED and WL/TAU groups at baseline and again at 2-, 6-, and 12-week follow-up.

Figure 3

Mean scores on the World Health Organization – Disability Assessment Schedule for the ACT-ED and WL/TAU groups at baseline and again at 2- and 12-week follow-up.