Coping with headache.

OBJECTIVE

To describe self-initiated actions and cognitive strategies used for coping by women who suffer from episodic tension-type headache.

DESIGN

Qualitative data from focus-group interviews were analysed according to Giorgi's phenomenological approach, inspired by Lazarus's theory of coping.

SUBJECTS: A total of 15 women with tension-type headache, 20-60 years old, were recruited to three different focus groups through newspaper advertising.

RESULTS

To cope with episodic tension-type headache, rhythm and balance in actions like eating, drinking, and sleeping were essential. Several women used thermal modulation. Exercise was important. Taking charge of their own time, pace, and level of commitment and accepting the fact that they had to live with their headache were cognitive strategies used.

IMPLICATIONS: The general practitioner should identify the woman's choice of actions and cognitive strategies to manage her headache, and support her coping skills.