The role of minimal- and no-contact behavioural treatments in migraine - Areview of efficacy and cost effectiveness

The impact of migraine is substantial for both the individual who suffers f rom it and society in general in terms of lost work hours, medication costs and healthcare usage. Many different forms of treatment are available for migraine, including biobehavioural approaches such as relaxation training a nd biofeedback. Research regarding the efficacy of these nonpharmacological treatments has been extensive and consistently demonstrates lasting success with the use o f the skills taught in treatment. Such treatment approaches have demonstrat ed effectiveness even when delivered in as few as 2 or 3 sessions with a th erapist, thus substantially reducing the cost of treatment. Other treatment formats such as group and no-contact therapies have demonstrated success a s well. This article reviews the efficacy and cost efficiency of minimal-contact bi obehavioural treatments for migraine as outlined in the research literature . Strictly self-help approaches are also reviewed, and resources for self-h elp information are discussed. The research indicates that such time-limite d and focused treatment approaches are highly effective with select patient s; however, there is a lack of research specifying the specific types of pa tients with migraine who benefit the most from these approaches. Future res earch needs to address this issue in order to provide the most efficacious and cost-effective treatments for all patients with migraine.