Behavioral facilitation of medical treatment of headache: implications of noncompliance and strategies for improving adherence

Headache. 2006 Oct:46 Suppl 3:S142-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00565.x.

Abstract

Clinical recommendations were gleaned from a review of treatment adherence published in the regular issue of Headache (released in tandem with this supplement). The recommendations include: (1) Nonadherence is prevalent among headache patients, undermines treatment efficacy, and should be considered as a treatment variable; (2) Calling patients to remind them of appointments and recalling those who miss a scheduled appointment are fundamentally the most cost-effective adherence-enhancing strategies, insofar as failed appointment-keeping acts as a ceiling on all future treatment and adherence efforts; (3) Simplified and tailored medication regimens improve adherence (eg, minimized number of medications and dosings, fixed-dose combinations, cue-dose training, stimulus control); (4) Screening and management of psychiatric comorbidities, especially depression and anxiety, is encouraged; (5) The concept of self-efficacy as a modifiable psychological process often can be employed to predict and improve adherence.

MeSH terms

  • Appointments and Schedules
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Headache / drug therapy*
  • Headache / psychology*
  • Headache / therapy
  • Humans
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Reminder Systems
  • Self Efficacy
  • Treatment Outcome