According to a recent study published in JAMA, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) plus amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant used in the treatment of migraines) may be an effective treatment for chronic migraines in children and adolescents. In the current study, researchers compared the efficacy of CBT plus amitriptyline versus headache education plus amitriptyline. Participants included 135 youth aged 10 to 17 diagnosed with chronic migraine. They were randomized to either the CBT plus amitriptyline group (n = 64) or headache education plus amitriptyline group (n = 71). Participants received either 10 CBT sessions or 10 headache education sessions involving equivalent time and therapist attention. At post-treatment, 66% in the CBT group had at least a 50% reduction in headache days versus 36% in the headache education group. At the 12-month follow up, 86% in the CBT group had at least a 50% reduction in headache days versus 69% in the headache education group. These findings support the efficacy of CBT in the treatment of chronic migraine among children and adolescents.
Powers, S. W., Kashikar-Zuck, S. M., Allen, J. R., LeCates, S. L., Slater, S. K., Zafar, M., Kabbouche, M. A., … Hershey, A. D. (December 25, 2013). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Plus Amitriptyline for Chronic Migraine in Children and Adolescents. Jama, 310, 24, 2622.