Internet-based treatment of headache: does telephone contact add anything?
OBJECTIVE
To study the contribution of therapist-initiated telephone contact in the treatment of recurrent headache via the Internet.


BACKGROUND
Internet-based cognitive behavioral self-help is a promising new venue for the treatment of recurrent headache. While cost-effective, there are indications that this modality may be associated with high dropout rates.


METHODS
The role of therapist-initiated contact was investigated in a randomized controlled trial in which 44 self-recruited headache sufferers were randomized to either a Web-based self-help program with e-mail support or to a group receiving, in addition, weekly individual telephone calls. An additional 8 control subjects were recruited to receive similar treatment outside of the study.


RESULTS
Dropout rates were 29% in the telephone support group and 35% in the control group, suggesting that the telephone calls did not affect dropout. Results showed significant reductions in headache-related disability, depression, maladaptive coping strategies, and perceived stress but little to indicate any superior performance in the Internet-only group and little improvement in the headache index. In short, therapist-initiated telephone calls did not influence the results.


CONCLUSIONS
Internet-based treatment for headache is not affected by minimal therapist-initiated telephone contact.
Andersson
Gerhard
G
Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Box 12 25, SE-751 42 Uppsala, Sweden.
Lundström
Per
P
Ström
Lars
L
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D012008:Recurrence; D012648:Self Care; D013548:Sweden; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013689:Telephone