TORONTO, Ontario – Migraines are a painful and often debilitating problem for millions of people. Now research suggests they may also boost the risk of depression.
A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found depression was twice as common in migraine sufferers, compared to those without the disease.
Recommended Videos
Younger migraine sufferers were particularly at risk. Women under age 30 with migraines had six times the odds of depression compared to migraine sufferers who were aged 65 and over.
"It may be that younger people with migraines have not yet managed to find adequate treatment or develop coping mechanisms to minimize pain and the impact of this chronic illness on the rest of their lives," said research co-author Meghan Schrumm.
Unmarried migraine sufferers and those who had trouble with daily activities because of their headaches also had a higher risk for depression.
Researchers say the findings point to the need for routine screening and targeted interventions for depression in people who suffer from migraines, especially those who are young, single or suffering limits on their daily lives.
To read the complete study, visit hindawi.com