The Effect of Psychiatric Comorbidities on Headache-Related Disability in Migraine: Results From the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study

Abstract

Objective: To examine the influences of depression and anxiety on headache-related disability in people with episodic migraine or chronic migraine. Background: Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities in people with migraine, especially among those with chronic migraine. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis of data from the longitudinal, internet-based Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes Study assessed sociodemographic and headache features, and headache-related disability (Migraine Disability Assessment Scale). Four groups were defined based on scores from validated screeners for depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) and anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale): depression alone, anxiety alone, both, or neither. Results: Respondents (N = 16,788) were predominantly women (74.4% [12,494/16,788]) and white (84.0% [14,044/16,788]); mean age was 41 years. Depression was more likely in persons with chronic migraine vs episodic migraine (56.6% [836/1476] vs 30.0% [4589/15,312]; P