Mind over migraine: ACT therapy shows promise in cutting headache days

NCT ID NCT03461874

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to standard migraine treatment could reduce monthly headache days in people with high-frequency episodic migraine (9-14 headache days per month). Sixty-four adults were randomly assigned to either standard care alone or standard care plus six weekly ACT sessions and two booster sessions. The goal was to see if ACT could help lower migraine frequency over 12 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to reduce migraine frequency when added to standard treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 64 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy requires time and commitment, and benefits may vary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

migraine without aura

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MIGRAINE WITHOUT AURA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Neuroalgology Unit

Milan, Milano, 20133, Italy

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