The Value of the Rorschach Method in Clinical Assessment of Migraine Patients

Abstract

Abstract. Approximately 15% of the world’s population suffer from migraine. This affliction is recognized as one of the 20 leading causes of disability globally and therefore constitutes a public health problem. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress are involved in migraine. However, mentalization abilities are considered a protective factor against physical illness. The last study of migraine in adults using the Rorschach test goes back to 2001 in Italy. We propose to update the data in a French sample comparing migraine patients ( N = 32) with standards focusing on the mentalizing factors defined by de Tychey, Diwo, and Dollander (2000) . The results highlight significant differences between migraine patient functioning in the Rorschach and the general population: There are few representations and affective expression is restricted. Migraine patients have difficulties to mentalize excitations. In conclusion, mentalization-based treatment could be a beneficial intervention for migraine patients.