A controlled trial of self-help treatment of recurrent headache conducted via the Internet

The Internet can reach a large number of people at a low cost and offers th e opportunity for 2-way communication. The present study was designed to ev aluate the effects of applied relaxation and problem solving in the treatme nt of recurrent headache when implemented via the Internet and E-mail. A gr oup of 102 headache sufferers were randomized to 2 conditions: a 6-week tre atment condition or a waiting-list control. The dropout was proportionately large (56%), and at the end of the study there were 20 participants in the treatment condition and 25 participants in the control condition. Results showed statistically significant reductions in headache for the treated par ticipants. In 50% of there, the reduction was clinically significant. The I nternet has the potential to serve as a complement in the treatment of recu rrent headache and deserves further study.