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An Evaluation of Brief Online Hypnosis for Migraine and Tension-type Headaches

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Migraine
Tension-Type Headache
Interventions
Behavioral: Hypnosis.
Other: Usual care
Registration Number
NCT04523311
Lead Sponsor
Canterbury Christ Church University
Brief Summary

This study aims to conduct an initial evaluation of whether a single, online, group-based session of hypnosis followed by self-hypnosis can decrease symptoms of migraine and tension-type headaches as well as improve quality of life and perceived self-efficacy over the condition.

Detailed Description

This study is a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing a single, online, group-based session of hypnosis followed by self-hypnosis for people with migraines or tension-type headaches with a wait-list control. A battery of self-report measures and a 2-week headache diary will be administered online at baseline (weeks 0 and 1), post-intervention (weeks 7 and 8) and at follow-up (weeks 11 and 12).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
35
Inclusion Criteria
  • Self-reported diagnosis of migraine or tension-type headaches from a General Practitioner (i.e. family physician) and/or specialist physician.
  • Score above the cut-off for either migraine or tension-type headache on the Headache Screening Questionnaire.
  • Have experienced at least one headache every two weeks over the last 3 months.
  • Otherwise healthy physically and mentally.
  • Able to understand written and spoken English.
  • Have the IT equipment necessary to access Zoom videoconferencing and the Qualtrics survey system.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Substantial medical or psychiatric co-morbidities including diagnoses of epilepsy, psychosis or personality disorder, and/or taking psychiatric medication.
  • A diagnosis of medication overuse headache.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Hypnosis + usual careHypnosis.An online, group-based, single session hypnosis workshop followed by 2 weeks of self hypnosis. Participants will continue with whatever usual care they receive/undertake.
Waitlist control + usual careUsual careThe control group will receive no intervention beyond whatever usual care they receive/undertake. After the study is complete, they will be offered the option of participating in the hypnosis intervention.
Hypnosis + usual careUsual careAn online, group-based, single session hypnosis workshop followed by 2 weeks of self hypnosis. Participants will continue with whatever usual care they receive/undertake.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline at 7-8 weeks in mean headache rating averaged over 2 weeks of headache diary entries.Post intervention (weeks 7-8)

At baseline (weeks 0-1) and post-intervention (weeks 7-8), participants will complete a headache diary for two weeks. The diary comprises hourly ratings of headache intensity (during waking hours) on a 0-5 scale, with higher scores indicating greater migraine/tension-type headache symptom burden. The mean rating over two weeks is used.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change from baseline at 11-12 weeks in mean headache rating averaged over 2 weeks of headache diary entries.Follow-up (weeks 11-12)

As described in the primary outcome.

Change from baseline at 7-8 weeks in headache frequency over 2 weeks of headache diary entries.Post intervention (weeks 7-8)

Using the aforementioned headache diary, the frequency of headaches over the 2 week diary period will be calculated.

Change from baseline at 11-12 weeks in mean headache duration over 2 weeks of headache diary entries.Follow-up (weeks 11-12)

Using the aforementioned headache diary, the mean duration of headaches over the 2 week diary period will be calculated.

Change from baseline at week 7 on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing (WEMWBS) ScalePost intervention (week 7)

This measures psychological wellbeing, producing a score between 15 and 75, with higher scores indicating greater wellbeing.

Change from baseline at 11-12 weeks in headache frequency over 2 weeks of headache diary entries.Follow-up (weeks 11-12)

Using the aforementioned headache diary, the frequency of headaches over the 2 week diary period will be calculated.

Change from baseline at week 7 on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales - 21 item version (DASS-21)Post intervention (week 7)

This measures symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress producing a score between 0 and 63, with higher scores indicating greater symptomatology.

Change from baseline at week 11 on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing (WEMWBS) ScaleFollow-up (week 11)

This measures psychological wellbeing, producing a score between 15 and 75, with higher scores indicating greater wellbeing.

Change from baseline at week 7 on the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale (HSLC).Post intervention (week 7)

This measures one's sense of locus of control over headaches, producing a score between 33 and 165, with higher scores indicating more external perceived locus of control.

Change from baseline at week 7 on the Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale (HMSE).Post intervention (week 7)

This measures headache management self-efficacy, producing a score between 25 and 175, with higher scores indicating greater perceived self-efficacy over headache self-management.

Change from baseline at 7-8 weeks in mean headache duration over 2 weeks of headache diary entries.Post intervention (weeks 7-8)

Using the aforementioned headache diary, the mean duration of headaches over the 2 week diary period will be calculated.

Change from baseline at week 11 on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales - 21 item version (DASS-21)Follow-up (week 11)

This measures symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress producing a score between 0 and 63, with higher scores indicating greater symptomatology.

Change from baseline at week 11 on the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale (HSLC).Follow-up (week 11)

This measures one's sense of locus of control over headaches, producing a score between 33 and 165, with higher scores indicating more external perceived locus of control.

Change from baseline at 11-12 weeks in headache related medication consumption over a two week period.Follow-up (weeks 11-12)

At baseline (weeks 0-1) and follow-up (weeks 11-12), participants will keep a diary of their daily, headache-related medication consumption over a two week period. From this, changes in type, dose and frequency of medication will be calculated.

Change from baseline at week 11 on the Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale (HMSE).Follow-up (week 11)

This measures headache management self-efficacy, producing a score between 25 and 175, with higher scores indicating greater perceived self-efficacy over headache self-management.

Change from baseline at 7-8 weeks in headache related medication consumption over a two week period.Post intervention (weeks 7-8)

At baseline (weeks 0-1) and post-intervention (weeks 7-8), participants will keep a diary of their daily, headache-related medication consumption over a two week period. From this, changes in type, dose and frequency of medication will be calculated.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology

🇬🇧

Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

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