Internet-based treatment of headache: does telephone contact add anything?

OBJECTIVE

To study the contribution of therapist-initiated telephone contact in the treatment of recurrent headache via the Internet.

BACKGROUND

Internet-based cognitive behavioral self-help is a promising new venue for the treatment of recurrent headache. While cost-effective, there are indications that this modality may be associated with high dropout rates.

METHODS

The role of therapist-initiated contact was investigated in a randomized controlled trial in which 44 self-recruited headache sufferers were randomized to either a Web-based self-help program with e-mail support or to a group receiving, in addition, weekly individual telephone calls. An additional 8 control subjects were recruited to receive similar treatment outside of the study.

RESULTS

Dropout rates were 29% in the telephone support group and 35% in the control group, suggesting that the telephone calls did not affect dropout. Results showed significant reductions in headache-related disability, depression, maladaptive coping strategies, and perceived stress but little to indicate any superior performance in the Internet-only group and little improvement in the headache index. In short, therapist-initiated telephone calls did not influence the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based treatment for headache is not affected by minimal therapist-initiated telephone contact.