title: Enhancing the effectiveness of relaxation-thermal biofeedback training with propranolol hydrochloride.
abstract: This article evaluated the ability of propranolol to enhance results achieved with relaxation-biofeedback training. Thirty-three patients were randomized to relaxation-biofeedback training alone (administered in a limited-contact treatment format), or to relaxation-biofeedback training accompanied by long-acting propranolol (with dosage individualized at 60, 120, or 180 mg/day). Concomitant propranolol therapy significantly enhanced the effectiveness of relaxation-biofeedback training when either daily headache recordings (79% vs. 54% reduction in migraine activity) or neurologist clinical evaluations (90% vs. 66% reduction) were used to assess treatment outcome. Concomitant propranolol therapy also yielded larger reductions in analgesic medication use and greater improvements of quality of life measures than relaxation-biofeedback training alone but was more frequently associated with side effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens 45701-2979, USA.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Holroyd
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: France
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Cordingley
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rokicki
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kvaal
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Lipchik
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: McCool
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000187:drug effects*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011433:Propranolol