Effects of Depression and Headache Type on Biofeedback for Muscle-contraction Headaches

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate further the possible interactive role of both depression and headache type on the outcome of a standard E.M.G. biofeedback therapy for muscle-contraction headache. Forty-eight patients applying for treatment at a headache treatment center were given forehead/posterior neck E.M.G. biofeedback therapy for 20 weeks. Twelve subjects in each of four groups had either depression with or without a history of head trauma, or were not depressed, with or without a history of head trauma. Results showed that headache activity was lowered more for non-depressed subjects and more for non-trauma subjects, although there was no interaction. However, post-hoc examination also showed that the possibility of monetary gain from legal action might have confounded the data for some of the trauma subjects. The study supports the need for separation of depressed and non-depressed patients in headache treatment and the probable need for treatment for the depression itself, aside from the headache.