Coping with headache.
OBJECTIVE
To describe self-initiated actions and cognitive strategies used for coping by women who suffer from episodic tension-type headache.


METHODS
Qualitative data from focus-group interviews were analysed according to Giorgi's phenomenological approach, inspired by Lazarus's theory of coping.


METHODS
A total of 15 women with tension-type headache, 20-60 years old, were recruited to three different focus groups through newspaper advertising.


RESULTS
To cope with episodic tension-type headache, rhythm and balance in actions like eating, drinking, and sleeping were essential. Several women used thermal modulation. Exercise was important. Taking charge of their own time, pace, and level of commitment and accepting the fact that they had to live with their headache were cognitive strategies used.


CONCLUSIONS
The general practitioner should identify the woman's choice of actions and cognitive strategies to manage her headache, and support her coping skills.
Slettbakk
Rune
R
Section for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Norway. Rune.Slettbakk@student.uib.no
Vaksdal Nilsen
Christine
C
Malterud
Kirsti
K
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy