A recent study was conducted to assess whether family history for chronic headache and drug overuse could be a possible risk factor for headache chronification. The study group consisted of patients with daily or near daily headaches that underwent a structured interview about family history for chronic headaches, medication overuse, substance abuse or dependence, and psychiatric disorders.
The study results indicated that family history for chronic headaches and drug overuse due in fact represent a risk factor for headache chronification. However, a large genetic epidemiological survery would be necessary for total confirmation of this association.