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Comorbidity of Migraine and Psychiatric Disorders: A National
Population-Based Study
Jette N, Patten SV, Williams JV, et al.
Posted: June 2007  
Abstract presented at American Headache Society Meeting
June 7-11, 2007, Chicago, IL
Headache 2007;47:745

Objectives:   (1) To determine the prevalence of various psychiatric conditions in association with migraine and (2) To describe the patterns of association of these comorbidities with a variety of health-related outcomes.

Background:   Migraine is common, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 7-17%. Population-based studies have reported an association between various psychiatric conditions and migraine. This is a population-based study exploring the association between migraine and psychiatric disorders in a large cohort and assessing various health-related outcomes.

Methods:   Data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey were used. Health-related outcomes included two-week disability, restriction of activities, quality-of-life and mental health care utilization.

Conclusions:   Migraine is associated with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. Migraine in association with various mental health disorders results in poorer health-related outcomes compared to migraine or a psychiatric condition alone. Understanding the psychiatric correlates of migraine is important in order to adequately manage this patient population and to guide public health policies regarding health services utilization and health care costs.