The failure of intensive self-regulatory treatment with chronic daily headache: a prospective study.

Sixteen patients with chronic daily headache (HA) of moderate to severe intensity received 20 sessions of self-regulatory treatment including progressive muscle relaxation, thermal biofeedback, and cognitive stress coping therapy. Four stopped treatment after 12 visits (but had received all 3 treatment components). Only 2 of 12 completers (17%) showed more than 50% reduction in HA Index based on daily diaries. Chronic daily HA continues to be relatively refractory to self-regulatory treatment.