Migraine and its psychiatric comorbidities

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2016 Jul;87(7):741-9. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2015-312233. Epub 2016 Jan 5.

Abstract

Migraine is a highly prevalent and disabling neurological disorder associated with a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the link between migraine and several comorbid psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. We present data on psychiatric risk factors for migraine chronification. We discuss the evidence, theories and methods, such as brain functional imaging, to explain the pathophysiological links between migraine and psychiatric disorders. Finally, we provide an overview of the treatment considerations for treating migraine with psychiatric comorbidities. In conclusion, a review of the literature demonstrates the wide variety of psychiatric comorbidities with migraine. However, more research is needed to elucidate the neurocircuitry underlying the association between migraine and the comorbid psychiatric conditions and to determine the most effective treatment for migraine with psychiatric comorbidity.

Keywords: MIGRAINE; NEUROEPIDEMIOLOGY; NEUROPSYCHIATRY; NEURORADIOLOGY; PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Comorbidity
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Migraine Disorders / psychology*
  • Migraine Disorders / therapy
  • Risk Factors