Migraine and Despair: Factors Associated with Depression and Suicidal Ideation among Canadian Migraineurs in a Population-Based Study

Abstract

This study sought to (1) investigate the association between migraine and both depression and suicidal ideation and (2) to identify the factors independently associated with each of these mental health problems among Canadian men and women with migraine. Data were analyzed from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Presence of migraine was assessed by self-report of a health professional diagnosis. Current depression was measured using the CIDI-SF, and suicidal ideation was based on a question about serious consideration of suicide at any point during the respondent's lifetime. Migraineurs were found to have elevated odds of depression (men: OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.70, 2.41; women: OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.71, 2.10) and suicidal ideation (men: OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.55, 1.96; women: OR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.59, 1.86) even when adjusting for sociodemographic variables and disability status. The odds of depression and suicidal ideation were higher among both genders of migraineurs who were younger, unmarried and had more activity limitations; associations with poverty and race depended on gender and whether the focus was on depression or suicidal ideation. While screening for depression is already recommended for those with migraine, this research helps identify which migraineurs may require more immediate attention, including those who are younger, unmarried, and experiencing limitations in their activities.

Depression, anxiety and stress among pregnant migraineurs in a pacific-northwest cohort

“…The odds of MDD, severe anxiety, and severe stress symptoms were particularly elevated among migraineurs with aura. Our results are in accordance with previous reports indicating an increased prevalence of affective disorders among individuals with headache or migraine, albeit generally in non-pregnant adult populations and adolescents (Breslau et al, 1994; Breslau et al, 2003; Fuller-Thomson et al, 2013; Gelaye et al, 2013; Jette et al, 2008; Kalaydjian and Merikangas, 2008; McWilliams et al, 2004; Merikangas et al, 1990; Patel et al, 2004; Saunders et al, 2014; Swartz et al, 2000; Zwart et al, 2003). Furthermore, our results are also in accordance with the two other studies that have reported on observations of such associations in pregnant women (Cripe et al, 2010; Williams et al, 2010), and thus extends this literature.…”

“…The co-occurrence of migraine and mood disorders has been well documented in non-pregnant populations (Breslau et al, 1994; Breslau et al, 2003; Fuller-Thomson et al, 2013; Gelaye et al, 2013; Jette et al, 2008; Kalaydjian and Merikangas, 2008; McWilliams et al, 2004; Merikangas et al, 1990; Nguyen and Low, 2013; Patel et al, 2004; Saunders et al, 2014; Swartz et al, 2000; Zwart et al, 2003). Recent evidence suggests that migraine and mood disorders may be common among pregnant women (Cripe et al, 2010; Williams et al, 2010).…”

The influence of marital status on the social dysfunction of schizophrenia patients in community

“…Nevermarried patients suffered from social dysfunction more often and degenerated more rapidly. Therefore, they should receive a more accentuate rehabilitation therapy immediately after diagnosis to prevent progression of social dysfunction [9].…”

The Psychiatric Approach to Headache

“…FullerThomson and colleagues found certain risk factors for suicidal ideation associated with gender among Canadian migraineurs. 45 For females, younger age, being unmarried, being poor, and having greater limitations in activities are associated with greater suicidal ideation. Male migraineurs share three of these risk factors, excluding only being poor.…”