Guided imagery intervention for the treatment of tension-type headache associated with state-trait anxiety

Introduction: Guided imagery (GI) is a mind–body intervention, in which individuals generate mental images of pleasant objects or events in their minds. These mental images produce positivity and alter the perception of headaches and other pain disorders. A review of literature suggests that GI is an effective psychological treatment for tension-type headache (TTH) and state-trait anxiety. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the efficacy of GI on TTH associated with state-trait anxiety and to compare its efficacy with treatment as usual (TAU). Materials and Methods: Forty treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with TTH were selected from the psychiatry outpatient department through purposive sampling method. The Henry Ford Hospital Headache Disability Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults were administered on all the patients for baseline data. Experimental group (n = 20) were given eight sessions of GI along with TAU for 2 months, whereas waitlist group (n = 20) were given only TAU. Results: A Significant positive association was obtained between emotional and functional disability of headache and state-trait anxiety at baseline. Postassessment findings demonstrated a significant reduction in severity and frequency of TTH, emotional and functional disability, and state-trait anxiety in the experimental group receiving GI as compared to the waitlist group. Conclusion: Patients living with TTH more commonly suffer from state-trait anxiety. Those patients who were given GI along with TAU for 2 months improved on severity and frequency of TTH, emotional and functional disability of TTH, and state-trait anxiety more effectively than those patients receiving only TAU. Consequently, it can be said that GI is an effective treatment for TTH and state-trait anxiety as compared to TAU.