Possible factors link a migraine with generalized anxiety disorder, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Toronto. The link between the two disorders can be partially explained by two factors; high prevalence of debilitating chronic pain (30 percent) and issues in managing household responsibilities (28 percent).
The study was headed by Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson together with co-author Janany Jayanthikumar. According to Science Daily, chronic pain played an essential role linking migraine with generalized anxiety disorder, as stated by Jayanthikumar. Extreme and radiating headache pain can cause generalized anxiety disorders as it interferes and disturbs family and work responsibilities anytime, anywhere with little or no warning.
The study shows that generalized anxiety disorder is more prevalent in adults suffering from a migraine as compared to those who do not (6 percent versus 2 percent). On the other hand, according to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), headaches can be a symptom and a good indicator of an anxiety disorder particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Surprisingly, the researchers also discovered that men with a migraine are more susceptible to doubled generalized anxiety disorder compared with to women. Usually, in general population, women are more likely to develop a generalized anxiety disorder. Compared to women, men are less likely to take medication to manage a headache resulting to a more uncontrollable pain inducing anxiety.
Furthermore, people suffering from a migraine who don't have any confidant are more five times at risk of developing generalized disorder compared to those people with at least one person to confide with. Special treatment can be a very challenging work for physicians for people suffering from anxiety disorder and chronic headache pain.
It is important for health care professionals to diagnose and monitor the presence of mental health problems, including anxiety disorders, in patients suffering from a migraine. Severe pain can be felt on both sides of the head and normally felt around the temples or behind one eye or ear.
