Relationship between migraine and mental disorders

[David Baxter PhD]

The relationship between migraine and mental disorders in a population-based sample
by Gregory E. Ratcliffe B.Sc., Murray W. Enns M.D., F.R.C.P.C., Frank Jacobi Ph.D., Shay-Lee Belik M.Sc., and Jitender Sareen M.D., F.R.C.P.C.
9 October 2008.

Objective
There is emerging evidence from clinical and community samples to suggest that migraines are associated with mental disorders. The present study utilized a large population-based sample to investigate the association between physician-diagnosed migraine and mental disorders.

Method
Data were from the German Health Survey conducted between 1997 and 1999 (N=4181, response rate 61.4%, age 18?65 years). Lifetime and 12-month history of migraines were assessed by self-report and by a physician. Past 12-month DSM-IV mental disorders were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results
After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, past-year migraine was significantly and positively associated with depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, panic disorder, agoraphobia and simple phobia [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) ranging from 1.74 to 3.21]. After additionally adjusting for other mental disorders, any anxiety disorder (AOR=1.82) and any mood disorder (AOR=1.61) remained significantly associated with past-year migraine.

Conclusion
Although causal inferences cannot be made due to the cross-sectional nature of the data, the present study adds to a growing body of literature that suggests a strong association between migraines and mood and anxiety disorders.

 

[Daniel E.]

An article about the study:

Migraine headaches linked to mood disorders
CTV.ca News Staff
Jan. 21 2009

People who suffer from migraine headaches are at greater risk for developing a mental health problem, new research suggests.

In a study of more than 4,000 German patients, researchers found that 11 per cent suffered from migraines, a type of debilitating headache that can be accompanied by symptoms such as sensitivity to light, chills and nausea.

A migraine can last for several days, and severely limit a sufferer's ability to perform day-to-day functions.

In the study, subjects who reported experiencing migraines were more likely to also have depression, or bipolar disorder, or suffer from panic attacks, substance abuse problems or phobias.

"Together, migraine and mental disorders cause more impairment than alone," lead study author Gregory Ratcliffe, a researcher in the psychiatry department at the University of Manitoba, said in a statement. "Patients who have one condition should be assessed for the other so they can be treated holistically. Although it is important to know that both are present, treating one will have an effect on the other."

The findings are published in the journal General Hospital Psychiatry.

According to the researchers, two theories may explain the relationship between migraine and mental disorders.

It could be that a common factor influences the development of both conditions, such as the impaired functioning of chemical messaging systems in the brain.

It could also be that one disorder can cause or precede another. Studies have found that anxiety often precedes migraine, which can precede depression.

The findings suggest that an underlying mental disorder may explain why many sufferers find it difficult to function normally when they are having a migraine.

 

[healthyheart]

There are various stages of mental disorder and if the one that is related to migraine must be the less severe of the existing ones.

 

[Halo]

Healthyheart, can you explain a little further what you mean by this and why you believe this to be true?

There are various stages of mental disorder and if the one that is related to migraine must be the less severe of the existing ones.

 

[Retired]

There are various stages of mental disorder and if the one that is related to migraine must be the less severe of the existing ones.

I too am fascinated by that statement and will be looking forward to some elaboration, along with the source for this hypothesis.