Headache and mental disorders in practice

Abstract

Introduction

Migraine is a major cause of global functional disability and is frequently associated with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Although the literature highlights this association, few studies have explored these relationships in real-life contexts, outside controlled clinical environments.

Objective

To analyze the relationship between anxiety and depression levels and the impact of headache on the quality of life of patients with migraine in a real-life context. 

Methods

A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted between January and December 2024, involving 46 patients treated at a tertiary headache center. Data were collected using the REBRACEF questionnaire. Statistical analyses included correlation tests and comparisons between the MIDAS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scales, as well as the variables sex and age. 

Results

The majority of participants were female (87%), with a mean age of 44.5 years. A significant negative correlation was found between age and MIDAS score (p=0.036), suggesting greater functional impact in younger patients. No significant correlation was found between MIDAS and PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scores. However, a positive correlation was observed between PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores (p<0.001), indicating comorbidity between depression and anxiety. 

Conclusion

The findings suggest that younger patients experience greater functional impairment due to migraine. Despite the high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, these comorbidities did not show a direct association with the functional impact of pain. The results underscore the importance of multidimensional approaches and highlight the need for studies with larger samples and longitudinal designs.