Psychology of Migraines

Psychological factors have not been proven to cause migraines by themselves but may contribute to the effects of this chronic, severe headache pain. Psychological treatments related to migraines include reducing fear of the migraine attacks as well as treating the anxiety and depression produced by the disease itself.

Significance

• Psychological treatment of anxiety and depression is helpful in insuring patients comply with their migraine medical treatments. Psychological studies are valuable for understanding quality of life and decision-making in migraine patients.

Features

• Stress has been shown to be related to the onset of migraines, but the stress events usually come several days before the migraine begins.

Causal Effects

• Migraines can be triggered by many factors, such as hormonal changes in women, certain foods (such as alcohol, caffeine and MSG), and environmental stimuli such as bright lights.

Considerations

• Depression may be a factor in migraines. Migraines sufferers are more likely to develop major depression than people who do not suffer from headaches, and people with depression are more likely to develop migraines.

Prevention/Solution

• Migraine medication

  Biofeedback and training in relaxation techniques have proven valuable in treating frequent migraines along with the anxiety patients feel due to fearing the migraine attacks. There is no known cure for migraines, but proper medications coupled with lifestyle changes can make a difference in the quality of life for migraine sufferers.