Mindfulness therapy for migraine and mood improvement

Treatment for Migraine and Mood (TEAM-M): A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mindfulness-based Training Program

Not applicable Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05576467

This study is testing if mindfulness therapy delivered over the phone or video can help people with migraines and depression feel better compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Bronx, New York and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05576467 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) delivered via telephone and video, compared to Enhanced Usual Care, for individuals experiencing migraines and depressive symptoms. Participants will be assessed based on their migraine frequency and depressive symptom severity using established diagnostic criteria. The goal is to gather preliminary data that will inform a larger Phase III trial in the future.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who experience 4-14 headache days per month and have mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with persistent headaches due to traumatic injury or those who have recently changed their migraine or antidepressant medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from both migraines and depressive symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using mindfulness-based interventions for managing chronic pain and mood disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Currently meets ICHD-3 (International Classification for Headache Disorders - 3rd Edition) criteria for migraine using the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Diagnostic Module
* Self-reported 4-14 headache days per month, with at least one attack meeting migraine criteria
* Score between 5-14 on the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire)
* Age ≥ 18
* Ability to read and speak English
* Capacity to consent
* Prospective diary-confirmed 4-14 headache days per month, with at least one attack meeting migraine criteria
* ≥1 year of migraine

Exclusion Criteria:

* Meeting ICHD-3 criteria for persistent headache attributed to traumatic injury to the head (post-traumatic headache) on the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Diagnostic Module
* Changes in preventive migraine medication or anti-depressant medication within 6 weeks of intake
* Changes in longer-term migraine prevention (onabotulinum toxin A, injectable or oral anti-calcitonin gene related peptide treatment; neuromodulatory device) within 3 months of intake
* Changes in acute migraine treatment started within 4 weeks of enrollment
* Comorbid psychiatric illness or clinical features that would interfere with participant's ability to participate in or receive benefit from the intervention, including but not limited to: active suicidal ideation; recent history of psychosis or mania; borderline, histrionic or narcissistic personality disorder; cognitive impairment; sensory disabilities; bipolar disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug use
* Prior history of engaging in formal mindfulness-based interventions including: MBSR (Mindfulness-based stress reduction), MBCT (Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy), Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy
* Current daily meditation practice
* Inability to adhere to headache diary during baseline evaluation period (recorded fewer than 25/28 days)
* Unwilling to maintain stable current acute or preventive medication dosages for study duration
* Any condition that would prevent being a suitable candidate or interfere with medical care needs

Where this trial is running

Bronx, New York and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions MigraineDepressive Symptomsmindfulnessmindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.