Experiences of living with and managing episodic tension-type headache in adults: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Devinder Rana-RaiProfessional Doctorate Health PsychologyExperiences of Living with and Managing Episodic Tension-Type Headache in Adults: An Interpretative Phenomenological AnalysisAbstractBackground: Research relating to the experience of headaches has, in the main, focused on the management of tension-type headache (TTH)/migraine, with limited research on episodic TTH. The current study aimed to explore the experiences of living with and managing ETTH through the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009). Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit 9 volunteers (aged 18 years and over) from a community sample in the UK, self-selecting as having ETTH. Semi-structured individual interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Findings: Four superordinate themes emerged. The essential and versatile use of coping strategies, the intricate relationship between functioning and (dys)functioning, the use of self-care health behaviours to achieve self-regulation, and a love-hate relationship with health professionals and medication. The intention to use adaptive coping strategies and self-care health behaviours was compromised by demands of functioning and stressors (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). The sharing of similar experiences of effective management strategies was beneficial and individuals were not fixed but versatile in their management of ETTH. Discussion: The results were used to underpin the following recommendations: a) further explore the utility of CBT-based interventions to promote awareness of stress in those affected; b) increase patient awareness of the barriers to effective self-care health behaviours; c) create face-to-face/on-line groups to empower individuals to self-manage ETTH effectively. Conclusion: This study showed that despite ETTH being classed as a ‘mild headache’ (Headache Classification of the International Headache Society [IHS], 2013), this condition is fraught with difficulties. Further research into ETTH is warranted to support and empower individuals in managing and living with ETTH