Growing research has uncovered interesting links between migraines and mental disorders. A research team from Taiwan, led by Dr Hsuan-Te Chu, has found a correlation between the frequency of migraine attacks and increased incidences of anxiety and depression. Previous research has already pointed to how the debilitating nature of migraines lends itself to an increased incidence in anxiety and depression issues. This latest study, however, points to a more specific, interesting relation; the depth of anxiety and depression are directly correlated to the frequency of migraine attacks.
Dr Hsuan-te Chu and his team, via their research, have been able to provide a deeper understanding of the genetic and physiological components of migraines. These findings have implications for future treatment methods.
The Study
Dr Hsuan-Te Chu and his team selected 588 patients for their study. The following metrics were measured and compared:
- Number of Migraine attacks per month
- Anxiety and Depression
- Sleep quantity/quality
Once this data had been collated, it was analysed to look for possible correlations. The study confirmed a link between anxiety/depression and migraines. The more migraine attacks a patient suffered with, the higher they were likely to score for anxiety and depression. Another correlation found in the study was between frequency of migraines and sleep quality. Here an inverse relationship was found: the higher the number of migraines, the poorer the quality of sleep. This relationship was found to be true irrespective of the type of migraine a patient suffered with.
Analysis
What do these correlations mean for migraines? The authors of the study believe the links between anxiety/depression and migraine point to underlying ‘patho-physiological’ mechanisms common to emotional states and migraines. Put simply, the same neurological pathways exist for both emotions and migraines.
Interestingly for migraine relief, there are positive implications for the treatment of some of the more debilitating aspects of the disease. If the same pathways which trigger migraines also trigger anxiety/depression, than the effective treatment of migraines will also be able to help treat mental disorders.
Final Thoughts
Health and well-being is a collage of many different factors. It is not a single metric that can be quantified and plotted on a graph so easily. The same holds true for disease. No disease exists in a vacuum. It affects every part of a person’s life. That migraines are connected to poor mental health is probably obvious to anybody with the misfortune to suffer with them. What they should take solace in, at least, is that researchers are getting a solid understanding of the underlying physiological pathways which connect migraines to poor mental health. This is a step in the right direction in finding effective treatment to alleviate migraines, as well as the poor emotional states which accompany it.