The Relationship of Attachment Styles, Perceived Social Support, and Anxiety and Depressive symptoms with Migraine-Related Disability*

Abstract

The objectives of the present study was to examine the attachment styles, perceived social support, and levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with migraine and to determine the relationships of these variables with migraine disability. In total, 80 patients with episodic migraine (EM), 35 patients with chronic migraine (CM), and 50 healthy controls were included. All participants completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory (ECRI), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In addition, patients with migraine completed the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Questionnaire. A statistically significant difference was found between the EM and CM groups in terms of MIDAS scores. The Avoidance subscale mean scores in the EM and CM group were statistically significantly higher than the mean scores of the healthy control group. The MSPSS Total, Family and Friends subscale mean scores of the EM group and healthy control group were significantly higher than the mean scores of the CM group. MANOVA showed statistically significant differences between groups in terms of ECRI, MSPSS, and the HADS scores. Chronic migraine patients who have high levels of avoidant attachment, anxious attachment, and depression tend to experience greater migraine-related disability. In contrast, those with higher levels of perceived social support from friends and a larger social support network tend to experience less migraine-related disability. Family support is the key support system for predicting migraine-related disability. Prioritizing and improving perceived social support can minimize negative effects and prevent chronicity, making it a crucial aspect of migraine treatment.