Migraine and depression are significantly related. Migraine patients have an increased risk of developing depression due to frequent migraine headaches. Therefore, the link between migraine and depression should not be overlooked, as untreated, it may have long-term health effects.
What is a migraine?
Migraine (Migraine) is a type of chronic headache caused by neurological abnormalities and significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Meanwhile, depressive disorder (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common mood disorder frequently found in the general population, with substantial scientific evidence showing that both conditions are deeply connected.
What are the symptoms of migraines?
The symptoms of a migraine are characterized by a throbbing headache on one side of the head, often severe and accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and in some cases, warning signs like seeing strange lights or images before the headache starts (Aura) . The pain usually comes and goes, and in some cases, it may occur so frequently that it becomes chronic, affecting daily life.
What is depression?
Depression is not just ordinary sadness but a mood disorder where patients experience sadness, boredom, and a lack of interest or enjoyment in things they once liked. Other symptoms may include easy fatigue, insomnia, reduced concentration, feelings of worthlessness, insomnia or oversleeping, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
How are migraine and depression related?
People with migraines, especially chronic migraines, are three times more likely to have depression than the general population. On the other hand, those with depression may cause migraine symptoms to worsen or become more frequent and severe, making them harder to treat. When both conditions occur together, there’s a higher risk of disability and lower quality of life compared to having just one condition. Treatment might be more complex and require holistic care.
Why are migraine and depression found together?
- Migraines and depression share some genetic abnormalities (Shared Genetic Susceptibility)
- Neurotransmitter abnormalities, such as serotonin (Serotonin) , play a significant role in both migraines and depression. Serotonin system disorders may be a common mechanism in both conditions.
- Neuroinflammation (Neuroinflammation) Low-grade chronic inflammation in the brain, found in migraine and depression patients, plays a role in changes in brain function and mood.
- Neural circuitry abnormalities (Neural Circuitry) The brain regions controlling pain and mood, such as Prefrontal Cortex, Limbic System and the neuroendocrine system’s response to stress (Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis) play roles in both migraine and depression.
Guidelines for treating migraine and depression
- Accurate and comprehensive diagnosis Doctors take a history of emotional state, sleep patterns, stress, living with migraine symptoms, and other signs that may indicate depression alongside diagnosing migraines.
- Holistic treatment
- Certain medications, such as some antidepressants like Amitriptyline or Venlafaxine , can help reduce migraine frequency and adjust mood.
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, meditation, or psychotherapy, may involve talking to mental health professionals.
- Continuous symptom monitoringPatients with both migraine and depression should have periodic follow-ups to adjust treatment appropriately.
How to take care of yourself when you have migraine and depression
- If you have migraines along with feeling sad, bored, easily tired, or discouraged for more than 2 weeks, consult a doctor immediately.
- Mental health is crucial because poor emotional states can exacerbate migraines.
- Take care of both physical and mental health, choose a balanced lifestyle, avoid stress, and treat symptoms from the onset.
Migraine is not just a headache but has a connection with mental health, especially depression, which may result from neurotransmitter dysfunction, chronic stress, or shared genetics, impacting the quality of life. Integrative diagnosis and treatment of both conditions are essential. If you or someone close has migraines and starts showing signs of depression, consult a doctor immediately for appropriate care.
Specialist doctors for migraine treatment
Dr..Kiratikorn Vongvaivanich A neurologist specializing in headache and migraine treatment at Bangkok International Hospital Bangkok Bone and Brain Hospital
You can click here to make an appointment by yourself.
Hospitals specializing in headache and migraine treatment
Brain and Neurology Center, Bangkok International Hospital Brain and Bone Hospital, ready to provide specialized headache and migraine care with a team of specialized doctors as well as multidisciplinary physicians with expertise and modern treatment technologies, to ensure patients live a quality life every day.
Reference
- Viudez-Martínez A, Torregrosa AB, Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS. Understanding the Biological Relationship between Migraine and Depression. Biomolecules. 2024 Jan 30;14(2):163. doi: 10.3390/biom14020163.
- Bruti G, Magnotti MC, Iannetti G. Migraine and depression: bidirectional co-morbidities? Neurol Sci. 2012 May;33 Suppl 1:S107-9. doi: 10.1007/s10072-012-1053-6.
- Androulakis XM, Yu X, Zhu X, Thiam MA, Cai G. Migraine and major depression: localizing shared genetic susceptibility in different cell types of the nervous systems. Front Neurol. 2023 Nov 15;14:1254290. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1254290.
- Zhang Q, Shao A, Jiang Z, Tsai H, Liu W. The exploration of mechanisms of comorbidity between migraine and depression. J Cell Mol Med. 2019 Jul;23(7):4505-4513. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.14390.
- Peck KR, Smitherman TA, Baskin SM. Traditional and alternative treatments for depression: implications for migraine management. Headache. 2015 Feb;55(2):351-5. doi: 10.1111/head.12521.
