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September 2025

Webster Psychiatric Center Joins the ClusterBusters Annual Conference

This September, Webster Psychiatric Center had the privilege of traveling to Dallas, Texas, to take part in the annual ClusterBusters Conference. The gathering welcomed more than 200 attendees, including physicians, nurse practitioners, patients, caregivers, and pain management specialists, all with one shared goal: improving the understanding and treatment of cluster headaches.

What Are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches (CH) are a neurological condition marked by sudden, severe headaches, almost always affecting one side of the head and often concentrated around the eye. They fall under the category of primary headache disorders, meaning they are not caused by another illness or condition.

Sometimes referred to as “suicide headaches”, cluster headaches are known for their extraordinary intensity and the toll they take on those who suffer from them. Unlike migraines, which often drive patients to rest quietly in darkened rooms, cluster headache attacks can cause individuals to pace, sweat, cry out, and even experience suicidal thoughts as a desperate attempt to escape the pain—considered by many to be among the most severe known to medicine.

Early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential. Research shows that around one-third of patients initially receive their diagnosis from primary care physicians. This highlights the urgent need for general practitioners to be trained to identify the disorder and create effective treatment plans. Proper intervention can lead to faster relief, less disability, and improved quality of life.

Mental Health and Cluster Headaches

The impact of cluster headaches extends far beyond physical pain. Many patients struggle with anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation due to the unpredictable and debilitating nature of the disorder. The relentless cycle of attacks can make it difficult to maintain work, relationships, or daily routines, often leaving patients feeling misunderstood or unsupported.

The nickname “suicide headache” reflects not only the unbearable pain but also the mental health crisis it can trigger. Studies and patient reports show that suicidal thoughts are not uncommon among those living with CH. Addressing mental health alongside medical treatment is therefore critical.

At Webster Psychiatric Center, we emphasize a holistic approach—recognizing that effective care must include both medical management of the headaches and psychological support. Interventions such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care can reduce feelings of despair, help patients build coping strategies, and foster resilience. Mental health care is not optional; it is an essential part of treating cluster headache patients.

ClusterBusters: Driving Research and Advocacy

ClusterBusters, Inc. was established in 2002 by Robert Wold, who continues to lead the organization as Executive Director. From the beginning, the nonprofit’s mission has been to advocate for patients and partner with research institutions to develop new therapies.

One of their earliest projects focused on the potential use of psilocybin mushrooms for treating cluster headaches. Early collaborations with Harvard researchers in the 2000s provided promising evidence that psychedelic compounds could help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. In some cases, patients living with chronic CH were able to transition to episodic patterns, gaining months or even years of pain-free time.

Over the years, ClusterBusters has broadened its research efforts, working alongside Yale University, Hannover Medical School in Germany, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Children’s Hospital, among others. These partnerships continue to advance knowledge of cluster headaches while exploring innovative strategies for patient care.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Attending the Dallas conference gave our team the chance to connect directly with leading experts, advocates, and patients who are equally dedicated to progress in cluster headache research and treatment. It reinforced our commitment at Webster Psychiatric Center to advancing awareness, supporting innovative science, and advocating for individuals and families affected by this devastating condition.

Though cluster headaches remain one of the most excruciating medical disorders, the growing body of research, collaborative advocacy, and patient-driven initiatives like those led by ClusterBusters offer hope for more effective treatments—and brighter futures—for those who live with CH.