The effect of self-regulatory treatment on pain behavior in chronic headache

Authors

• Cynthia L. Radnitz, State University of New York Albany
• Kenneth A. Appelbaum, State University of New York Albany
• Edward B. Blanchard, State University of New York Albany
• Lynne Elliott, State University of New York Albany
• Frank Andrasik, University of West Florida

Abstract

Thirty-one migraine, 27 mixed and 28 tension headache patients completed a global, retrospective inventory of headache behavior (avoidance, verbal and non-verbal complaint, and medication consumption) and monitored headache activity and concomitant pain-related behavior for 4 weeks before and after participating in self-regulatory treatment. Using the weekly behavior diaries as a reliability check for the global inventory, we found significant, but low, correlations between the two measures. Significant reductions occurred in all four types of behavior, pre- to post-treatment. Avoidance and verbal complaint behavior interacted with treatment outcome and headache diagnosis. The results are discussed in the context of prevailing ideas concerning the relationship between headache activity and pain-related behavior. © 1988.

Publication Title

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Recommended Citation

Radnitz, C., Appelbaum, K., Blanchard, E., Elliott, L., & Andrasik, F. (1988). The effect of self-regulatory treatment on pain behavior in chronic headache. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 26 (3), 253-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(88)90007-1