The Link Between Migraine and Depression. Can Depression Cause Migraines?

Migraine and Depression

Headaches, characterized by sharp, throbbing pains in various areas of the head, are commonly encountered, with approximately 80 percent of adults experiencing tension headaches.

However, when headaches are associated with depression, it could indicate the presence of other chronic issues.

Depression can sometimes trigger headaches, along with other bodily pains. Studies have revealed robust connections between tension headaches and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

For instance, research highlighted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) revealed that roughly 11 percent of individuals with mental health disorders experienced migraine attacks preceding their conditions. These disorders encompass major depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.

Additionally, the ADAA notes that up to 40 percent of individuals experiencing migraines may also contend with depression. Other forms of headaches might be secondary or symptomatic of depression.

Comprehending the causes and symptoms of depression-related headaches can aid in more effective treatment and preventive measures. Educating oneself on these matters can facilitate productive discussions with a healthcare professional.

What is Depression?

Depression (also known as Major Depressive Illness or Clinical Depression) is a common but significant mood disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It produces severe symptoms that interfere with your ability to function daily, including sleeping, eating, and working. The signs of depression must last for at least two weeks before a diagnosis may be made.

Depression treatment is required when depressive symptoms are chronic and do not go away since some types of depression are slightly different or may arise in unusual situations.

The Link of Migraine and Depression

The correlation between depression and headaches appears to be substantiated by various studies. Individuals with depression tend to have a higher likelihood of experiencing diverse types of headaches, including:

• Tension headaches cause a squeezing or pressure-like sensation, often affecting both sides of the head. They stem from muscle tension in the head or neck, commonly associated with stress and depression. Morning (wake-up) headaches: These headaches initiate early in the morning or upon waking up and are linked to depression, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea.
• Migraine headaches: Characterized by severe pain, migraines often present with additional symptoms such as throbbing pain on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea or vomiting.

The exact cause of migraines remains unclear. Conversely, individuals experiencing headaches and migraines have a heightened tendency to encounter depression. This association is particularly evident in cases of chronic or severe headaches. Several studies have suggested that nearly 80% of individuals with migraines may experience depression at some point.

Additionally, there appears to be a higher occurrence of migraines and headaches in conjunction with other mental health conditions. Links have been observed with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.

Can Depression Cause Migraines?

Scientists lack complete certainty regarding the relationship between headaches and depression. There remains ambiguity as to whether headaches precede depression, if migraines and headaches serve as symptoms of depression, or if both scenarios coexist.

However, evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship—wherein headaches heighten the likelihood of depression, and conversely, depression increases the probability of headaches. This mutual risk appears more pronounced in cases involving depression and migraines compared to other headache types.

The underlying mechanisms triggering this relationship remain unclear. Various biological and environmental factors probably interact, elevating the risk of experiencing both headaches and depression in specific individuals.

Several proposed risk factors include:

• Brain neurotransmitters: Specific brain chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine, potentially play a role in both headaches and depression. Individuals with depression and migraines often exhibit abnormal levels of these neurotransmitters. Reduced serotonin levels might increase the susceptibility to experiencing both depression and migraines.
• Family history: Genetic factors could contribute to an increased predisposition to both depression and migraines. These conditions frequently exhibit familial patterns.
• Life experiences: Experiences such as childhood trauma, racial trauma, and persistent stress are associated with an elevated risk of developing headaches and depression.
• Hormonal changes: Variations in hormone levels, like those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, are linked to mood changes and headaches in many individuals.
• Sleep disturbances: Sleep difficulties can trigger headaches and exacerbate feelings of depression or anxiety. This interaction can create a cyclical pattern as both headaches and depression can negatively impact sleep quality.
• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol use has connections to heightened feelings of depression and may trigger headaches and migraines in specific individuals.
• Medical conditions: Conditions like heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome have associations with both headaches and depression.

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Migraine Symptoms

Headaches bring about head pain, the nature and severity of which vary based on the type of headache one is experiencing.

Headaches may entail some or all of these symptoms:

• A continuous dull ache.
• Intense sharp pain.
• Radiating pain that spreads across multiple areas of the head.
• Throbbing sensation.

Sinus Headache: Sinus headaches usually involve pain in the regions surrounding the forehead, cheeks, and nose, where the sinuses are situated. While they aren’t commonly linked with depression, recurring sinus headaches can diminish one’s quality of life.

Tension Headache: Tension headaches may manifest in the middle of the head and are often accompanied by neck discomfort. They tend to develop gradually due to muscle contractions in the neck and scalp. Such headaches are secondary to depressive symptoms.

Migraine: Migraine attacks can appear suddenly and last for hours or even days, unlike other headache types. Migraines can cause extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea (with or without vomiting), and hinder regular tasks, leading to work or social engagement cancellations. These attacks often precede or coincide with depression.

Depression can either prompt a headache or emerge as a consequence of frequent headaches, notably migraines. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of depression to seek appropriate treatment.

Antidepressant medication may be used to treat both problems when depression coexists with persistent migraine. However, it’s crucial to avoid combining triptans with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications. Serotonin syndrome is a rare and potentially deadly adverse effect that can be brought on by the interaction between these two groups of drugs.

Too much serotonin in the brain causes this possibly lethal interaction. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and a related family of medications known as selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs) function by increasing the amount of serotonin that is present in the brain.

Modern migraine treatments include a class of medications called triptans. They function by attaching to serotonin receptors in the brain. This lessens swollen blood vessels, which eases migraine pain. Currently, seven distinct triptan medicines are prescribed and available. Another medication mixes the over-the-counter painkiller naproxen with the prescription painkiller triptan. Brand names consist of:

This type of medication comes in:

Why Should You See a Doctor About Your Migraines and Depression?

If you’re facing depression alongside headaches or migraines, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Left untreated, these conditions can impact your relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. It’s crucial to seek assistance, even if your symptoms aren’t severe. Initiating treatment early can expedite your path to recovery.

During your consultation, ensure you communicate all your symptoms to your healthcare provider. They won’t automatically assume depression solely based on your discussion of migraine symptoms. It’s essential to consider your provider lacks information about any symptoms unless you mention them. Comprehensive symptom disclosure aids your provider in determining the most suitable treatment plan.

Your provider might inquire about your medical history or ask you to complete symptom-focused questionnaires and undergo blood tests or brain scans. Keep in mind: Certain medical conditions, like hypothyroidism, can trigger both headaches and depression. Blood tests will assist your provider in identifying potential additional medical concerns. Brain scans, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), are employed to rule out other causes of your headaches.