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A Computerized Behavioral Assessment for Children With Headaches
Author(s) -
Leviton Alan,
Slack Warner V.,
Masek Bruce,
Bana Dhirendra,
R.Graham John
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1984.hed2404182.x
Subject(s) - headaches , psychology , migraine , medicine , psychiatry
SYNOPSIS We have developed a computerized interview program suitable for school‐age children with headaches. Behavioral assessment questions have been included. Between 18 and 39% of children and teenagers acknowledge that something happens to influence their headache either the day before, or the day of the headache. Some of the more frequent antecedents included “an especially hard day at work/school/home,” skipping a meal, worrying a lot, and unexpected excitement or pressure. The older the child or adolescent, the more likely he/she acknowledged that an “unpleasant emotional situation” preceded the headache. Chocolate was the only food or beverage identified as a headache antecedent. Heat and sun glare were reported most frequently as weather concomitants of headache. Approximately 30% of the children and teenagers were concerned about headaches interfering with their activities, and between 22 and 46% wanted to control their headaches without medications. Our experience indicates that children who read can complete a computer‐based interview containing behavioral assessment questions, and that an appreciable number of children brought to medical attention for their headaches are receptive to behavioral therapies.