According to research reported in JAMA Neurology, cognitive behavioural therapies (CBTs) can help people who suffer from both posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic posttraumatic headache (PTSD).

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two hallmark wounds of post-9/11 military engagements. CBT for headaches employs CBT concepts to lessen headache impairment and elevate mood.

Data from 200 combat veterans revealed that CBT for headaches significantly reduced PTSD symptoms (post treatment change in PCL-5, -6.5 points; P =.04) and headache disability (after treatment mean change in HIT-6 score, -3.4 points) as compared to conventional therapy. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) improved PTSD symptoms significantly, although headache disability was not improved. 

The effectiveness of the CBT in treating headache disability was because it helped the patients to build their confidence and control and manage their headaches themselves. The researchers are now hoping to replicate their findings in a larger trial.

The fact that CBT increased patients confidence in their ability to control or manage their headaches may have contributed to the improvements in headache disability that were observed following treatment. In a larger trial, the researchers are now aiming to confirm their findings. (Medscape - Jul 01, 2022. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/976493?src=#vp_1)