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Can Depression Cause Migraine Headaches?

Depression affects more than 18.8 million people each year in the United States alone, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Neurologists continue to conduct studies to further determine the relationship between depression and migraine headaches.

  1. Physiological Link

    • Depression can cause chronic physical pain such as severe headaches and stomach problems that do not respond to treatment. However, not all headaches are migraines.

    Biological Link

    • Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is described as the "happy" brain chemical. It not only affects your mood, but also your response to stress. Both depression and migraines are related to abnormal levels of serotonin.

    Cause or Effect?

    • According to a 2000 report by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), major depression is more prevalent in migraine sufferers. The report indicates that different factors are the underlying reason for "co-occurrence" of depression and migraine headaches.

    Significance

    • A 2003 study by the AAN determined a "bidirectional association," meaning that migraines increase the risk of depression and depression increases the risk of migraines.

    Treatment

    • Since serotonin is a factor in both depression and migraines, tricyclic antidepressants such as Doxepin have been effectively used to treat both conditions.

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