Correlation: Depression + Migraines?
Question:
Has anyone ever seen any studies concerning any correlation between chronic severe depression (or any lesser form of it, I suppose) and migraines? I saw that someone was speculating about rosacea and migraines (which I also have) but was wondering if there is that third connection too. I have had classic migraines since adolescence (I’m 45 now) but have now suddenly, for no apparent reason, started developing "ice pick" migraines. I still have an MRI to complete (CT scan came out clean), but the neurologist is leaning towards this diagnosis, though some of my symptoms don’t seem to follow the party line, so he’s still a bit confuzzled. I’ll know more in a week or two but I hate getting jabbed out of the blue with a severe migraine without the usual visual warnings! Thor
Response:
Has anyone ever seen any studies concerning any correlation between chronic severe depression (or any lesser form of it, I suppose) and migraines? I saw that someone was speculating about rosacea and migraines (which I also have) but was wondering if there is that third connection too.
I have never seen a study about depression causing Migraine. I have seen statements of the reverse. It seems logical that long term chronic pain would lead to depression. I myself have experienced it often. I am willing to bet that a large percentage of chronic severe migraine suffers have been depressed to the point of contemplating suicide. There are two forms of exertion when it comes to migraine. (at least in my book) The first is physical. The actual act of suffering through a migraine is physically exhausting. I personally suffer 20-25 days a month from migraine pain. During those rare times that I am not in pain, I am exhausted. The second is mental. As hard as I may try, I can never, ever forget that a migraine could be right around the corner. How could I, every aspect of my life is permeated by migraine. What I eat, how I sleep, what i smell, what the weather is like, what is the lighting like. Everything. I am constantly aware and monitoring my surroundings or activities in relation to migraine. Maybe I am alone on that one, but I doubt it. The constant worrying is exhausting. If that isn’t enough to depress someone, then what the heck, lets give him or her some meds that have depression as a known side effect. That’ll get em. (Sorry my cynical side shows when i am in pain)
Response:
Dear Thor: I can definite relate to this issue. Have had major depressions concerning daily chronic pain of migraines, bordering on suicidal thoughts at times. But, reminded myself that it was the pain talking. Must think of hope for the future. My husband has been very distant through all this. Not very supportive. I guess its his way of dealing with this. I’ve had to concentrate on my needs. My life in totally geared to being in pain. Environmental factors, food triggers, scent triggers, etc. etc.. Like a broken record, it goes on and on. Let alone the daily pain medication; and anti-depressants. I’m working part-time now from being a full time worker; that was very hard, with a cut in pay as well. Very traumatic dealing with severe pain and having to work full-time. Have a hard time retaining information, have to write everything down now. Such a lovely condition, migraines. Thanks for listening, Caroline Strutt. Toronto, Ontario
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone ever seen any studies concerning any correlation between chronic severe depression (or any lesser form of it, I suppose) and migraines? I saw that someone was speculating about rosacea and migraines (which I also have) but was wondering if there is that third connection too. I have had classic migraines since adolescence (I’m 45 now) but have now suddenly, for no apparent reason, started developing "ice pick" migraines. I still have an MRI to complete (CT scan came out clean), but the neurologist is leaning towards this diagnosis, though some of my symptoms don’t seem to follow the party line, so he’s still a bit confuzzled. I’ll know more in a week or two but I hate getting jabbed out of the blue with a severe migraine without the usual visual warnings! Thor
Response:
I have never seen a study about depression causing Migraine. I have seen statements of the reverse. Tobin said
Not me either but doctors I have seen have blamed headaches on depression. I am not talking about Migraine we all know the difference. Toty
Response:
When I read your posted message I thought for sure I was listening to my son. That is exactly (almost word for word) what he has stated. Depression is usually secondary to migraines. But when doctors can’t "cure" you they like to blame it on you. Cindy
Response:
I have seen descriptions of a condition called serotonin deficiency syndrome. Here is a quote from DR. Weil that describes the condition. Poor diet, lack of exercise, use of harmful substances such as caffeine or alcohol, and ongoing physical and emotional stress can depress the levels of serotonin your body makes, resulting in a range of serious problems: depression, obesity, insomnia, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, or what is collectively known as serotonin deficiency syndrome. I personally have both of these plagues – depression and migraines, so I think there is definitely something to what dr. Weil says. I have taken Prozak in the past to treat the depression, but it made the migraines worse. I have read that sometimes doctors prescribe Prozak to treat migraines. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone ever seen any studies concerning any correlation between chronic severe depression (or any lesser form of it, I suppose) and migraines? I saw that someone was speculating about rosacea and migraines (which I also have) but was wondering if there is that third connection too.
Response:
Have had major depressions concerning daily chronic pain of migraines, bordering on suicidal thoughts at times. But, reminded myself that it was the pain talking. Must think of hope for the future.
You bring up a really good point, Caroline. When chronic pain patients decide to commit suicide, it isn’t because we want to kill ourselves. We want to kill the pain. Our lives just happen to get in the way of the bullet. My guess is 99.99% would say they would have stayed if their pain could have been disposed. Lavon
Response:
I’ve heard and read this same thing…however, I wonder if the two are really chemically related OR if it isn’t just the chronic pain leading to depression. Anyone who hurts like this is bound to feel depressed at some point. *hugs* Anita – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen descriptions of a condition called serotonin deficiency syndrome. Here is a quote from DR. Weil that describes the condition. Poor diet, lack of exercise, use of harmful substances such as caffeine or alcohol, and ongoing physical and emotional stress can depress the levels of serotonin your body makes, resulting in a range of serious problems: depression, obesity, insomnia, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, or what is collectively known as serotonin deficiency syndrome. I personally have both of these plagues – depression and migraines, so I think there is definitely something to what dr. Weil says. I have taken Prozak in the past to treat the depression, but it made the migraines worse. I have read that sometimes doctors prescribe Prozak to treat migraines. Has anyone ever seen any studies concerning any correlation between chronic severe depression (or any lesser form of it, I suppose) and migraines? I saw that someone was speculating about rosacea and migraines (which I also have) but was wondering if there is that third connection too.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone ever seen any studies concerning any correlation between chronic severe depression (or any lesser form of it, I suppose) and migraines? I saw that someone was speculating about rosacea and migraines (which I also have) but was wondering if there is that third connection too. I have had classic migraines since adolescence (I’m 45 now) but have now suddenly, for no apparent reason, started developing "ice pick" migraines. I still have an MRI to complete (CT scan came out clean), but the neurologist is leaning towards this diagnosis, though some of my symptoms don’t seem to follow the party line, so he’s still a bit confuzzled. I’ll know more in a week or two but I hate getting jabbed out of the blue with a severe migraine without the usual visual warnings! Thor Hi Thor,
I think depression is a by-product of being in constant pain, the first time I went to a neurologist, his diagnosis was that I was just depressed.. he said the depression came from being a mom and working mother in the 90’s. He said I MAY have migraines, but that was not my problem. He didn’t even prescibe anything for the depression. That was his diagnosis, and he just walked out of the room. Granted I was really new to the migraine game, all I can remember doing is, crying uncontrollable the whole way home, thinking it was all in my head. I wish doctor’s especially neurologists where trained to treat chronic pain ( oh and I know that is what pain clinics are for) instead of telling people that their pain is all in there head.. Sigh.. well that is my buck fifty worth.. Hugs Tammy
Response:
Has anyone ever seen any studies concerning any correlation between chronic severe depression (or any lesser form of it, I suppose) and migraines?
Actually, yes I have seen several studies. I know Dr. Robbins talks about one study on his website at www.headachedrugs.com It seems that there is a higher incidence of depression among migraine patients, I think even after taking into account the chronic pain factor. I also believe that I have read that migraines and depression tend to run in the same families, with some people being affected by only one or the other. It is interesting, and I doubt coincidental, that both the new antidepressants, like Prozac, and the triptans, like Imitrex target serotonin levels in the brain. I think they are definitely related. I also agree with previous posters that it is difficult to stay upbeat when battling chronic headaches. I just finished 3 weeks of daily migraines, and I was most definitely depressed. Laura
Response:
I have seen statements of the reverse. It seems logical that long term chronic pain would lead to depression. I myself have experienced it often. I am willing to bet that a large percentage of chronic severe migraine suffers have been depressed to the point of contemplating suicide.
Yes; I’ve & am suffering with secondary depression due to CDH. Mine flares WHENEVER, but with a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico I’m hurting WAY BAD. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are two forms of exertion when it comes to migraine. (at least in my book) The first is physical. The actual act of suffering through a migraine is physically exhausting. I personally suffer 20-25 days a month from migraine pain. During those rare times that I am not in pain, I am exhausted. The second is mental. As hard as I may try, I can never, ever forget that a migraine could be right around the corner. How could I, every aspect of my life is permeated by migraine. What I eat, how I sleep, what i smell, what the weather is like, what is the lighting like. Everything. I am constantly aware and monitoring my surroundings or activities in relation to migraine. Maybe I am alone on that one, but I doubt it. The constant worrying is exhausting. If that isn’t enough to depress someone, then what the heck, lets give him or her some meds that have depression as a known side effect. That’ll get em. (Sorry my cynical side shows when i am in pain)
HEAR, HEAR !!!!< (clap,clap) Seems like every med I take has headache, depression, etc. as a side effect. Like I can tell if I have a side effect :% Bray TwoDogEn Before you buy.
