title: Effect of the emotional freedom technique on perceived stress, quality of life, and cortisol salivary levels in tension-type headache sufferers: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the short-term effects of the emotional freedom technique (EFT) on tension-type headache (TTH) sufferers.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a parallel-group design, with participants randomly assigned to the emotional freedom intervention (n = 19) or a control arm (standard care n = 16).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted at the outpatient Headache Clinic at the Korgialenio Benakio Hospital of Athens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-five patients meeting criteria for frequent TTH according to International Headache Society guidelines were enrolled.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were instructed to use the EFT method twice a day for two months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study measures included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Short-Form questionnaire-36. Salivary cortisol levels and the frequency and intensity of headache episodes were also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Within the treatment arm, perceived stress, scores for all Short-Form questionnaire-36 subscales, and the frequency and intensity of the headache episodes were all significantly reduced. No differences in cortisol levels were found in any group before and after the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EFT was reported to benefit patients with TTH. This randomized controlled trial shows promising results for not only the frequency and severity of headaches but also other lifestyle parameters.
authors: Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors: Anastasia M
authors: AM
authors: Bougea
authors: Nick
authors: N
authors: Spandideas
authors: Evangelos C
authors: EC
authors: Alexopoulos
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Thomaides
authors: George P
authors: GP
authors: Chrousos
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Darviri
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone