Psychologically based interventions such as relaxation training, biofeedback and cognitive-behavioural therapy are increasingly discussed as options for the treatment of migraine and tension-type headache in children and adolescents. In order to determine the state of evidence regarding the efficacy of these treatments, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies was conducted. In a comprehensive literature search including data from 1966 to 2004, 23 studies were found meeting the inclusion criteria. Due to the application of the random effects model, generalization of the results is possible. Specific statistical procedures were used to account for a possible publication bias. Significantly more patients improved to a clinically relevant extent (headache reduction > or =50%) in treatment conditions compared with waiting list conditions (high effect sizes). Long-term stability was also confirmed. The analysed treatments lead to improvement (up to 1 year) in headache status in children and adolescents with primary headache. However, more well-designed studies are needed to support and consolidate the conclusions of this meta-analysis and to compare the effects of psychological treatment with those of prophylactic medical interventions (in migraine), to examine potential differences between treatments, to identify moderators of efficacy and to determine effects of treatment on other health-related variables such as quality of life.