title: A randomized clinical trial of targeted cognitive behavioral treatment to reduce catastrophizing in chronic headache sufferers.
abstract: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) examined the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) specifically targeted toward reducing pain catastrophizing for persons with chronic headache. Immediate treatment groups were compared with wait-list control groups. Differential treatment gains based on the order of presentation of 2 components of CBT (cognitive restructuring and cognitive/behavioral coping) and the role of catastrophizing in treatment outcome were examined. Thirty-four participants enrolled in a 10-week group treatment and 11 completed a wait-list self-monitoring period. Participants reported significant reductions in catastrophizing and anxiety and increased self-efficacy compared with wait-list control subjects, and these were maintained at follow-up. Although we did not find overall differences in the reduction of headache frequency or intensity compared with wait-list control subjects, calculation of clinical significance on headache indicators suggest that approximately 50% of treated participants showed meaningful changes in headache indices as well. Order of treatment modules was not related to gains during treatment or at follow-up; however, almost all changes occurred during the second half of treatment, suggesting that duration of treatment participation is important.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cognitive-behavioral treatment targeting reduction of catastrophizing for chronic headache pain reduced negative cognitive and affective variables associated with recurrent headache, increased headache management self-efficacy, and in half of the participants, produced clinically meaningful reductions in headache indicators. Length of treatment is an important factor to consider when providing CBT for chronic pain.
authors: Psychology Department, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0348, USA. bthorn@as.ua.edu
authors: Beverly E
authors: BE
authors: Thorn
authors: Laura B
authors: LB
authors: Pence
authors: L Charles
authors: LC
authors: Ward
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Kilgo
authors: Kristi L
authors: KL
authors: Clements
authors: Tony H
authors: TH
authors: Cross
authors: Amber M
authors: AM
authors: Davis
authors: Patricia W
authors: PW
authors: Tsui
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome