When Stephanie Weaver She plans a vacation, her first thought is: “What will happen if I have a migraine attack?” The probability causes it so much stress that it goes over a play plan with its therapist if it happens. She packs multiple medicines, a hat to protect her eyes from bright lights and Ziploc bags to make an emergency ice pack. “I know I have to deal with what is coming,” he said.
Weaver, which is in the 1960s and lives in southern California, has struggled with unpredictable migraine attacks most of its life and have influenced its mental health. “I can’t trust my body to behave and the anxiety that comes with these feelings has never gone away,” he said.
The relationship between migraine and mental health disorders
According to a connection of migraine 2022 and mental health Overview From the American Union of migraine, migraine’s disease and mental health strongly affect each other. Although migraine disease and mental health disorders are separate diseases, they have a correlation between them. Their links are not fully understood, but the relationship is likely to result in many factors. These may include abnormal brain structures, genetics, sexual hormones and anxiety.
Up to half of people with chronic migraine disease have anxiety disorder, compared to about 19% of the US general population. And 25% of people with chronic migraine illness have a post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is considered to affect 5% of the general population in other US mental health issues associated with migraine disease include three times the chance of having a bipolar disorder and an increased disorder.
Childhood trauma also plays a role. People who have experienced wounds early in life are 48% It is more likely to have a headache disorder. The more traumatic events a person experiences as a child, the more likely they have a migraine disease.
This creates a vicious cycle where mental health problems can lead to migraine attacks and migraine attacks can lead to mental health problems. “When one is involved in chronic pain or chronic headache, it is very understandable why they can also face mental health problems,” said Rashmi Halker Singh, MD, Fahs, Faan, neurologist specializing in migraine at the Mayo Clinic and a Health Council member.
Migraine disease affects more women than men
A study The National Library of Medicine says that more than twice more than twice more than two times (43%) suffer from migraine attacks compared to men (18%). This is partly due to the variation of estrogen in a woman’s body. “About one -third of women who have a migraine experience at the time of adolescence.
Racial distinction plays a role
Color people are less likely to receive cure for migraine attacks and mental health disorders compared to whites. Many BIPOCs do not receive proper treatment due to the mistrust of the healthcare system and racial and socio -economic discrimination in health care.
And they are less likely to be diagnosed with migraine. Indeed, The American migraine institution He found that only 47% of blacks and 50% of Latins are likely to receive a diagnosis of migraine compared to 70% of white people.
In turn, if patients are not diagnosed, they are less likely to receive the treatment they need. And that means they are less likely to feel better both mentally and physically.
Two invisible diseases
People with migraine and mental health disorders often fight to get the support they deserve. This is, in part, because migraine and mental health disorders are invisible diseases, making it difficult for others to understand what you are going through. Unlike other diseases that are visible, people cannot always see external signs of migraine and mental health disorders.
It is important to remember that migraine disease is not something you can control. Halker Singh said her patients are often concerned about how their migraine attacks affect other parts of their lives, including their relationships with their loved ones.
Download the correct treatment
Fortunately, there are many treatments available for both mental health disorders and migraine disease. And some of the treatments for each condition are the same, including certain overlapping drugs such as SSRIs and Snris (two types of antidepressants), cognitive behavioral therapy, other forms of psychotherapy and relaxation techniques.
Halker Singh helps her patients come up with a comprehensive treatment plan, including finding the right drug. “We have so many amazing choices,” he said. It also makes sure to discuss ways to prevent attacks. And if a patient struggles with his mental health, they refer to them in a mental health specialist.
Similarly, Weaver gets an approach to the whole body. “Finding a therapist working with people with chronic illness, taking a class of meditation and learning about these particular triggers has all helped me with my anxiety,” he said.
By supporting the best care
In the connection of migraine and mental health overview87% of people who experienced migraine and 94% of health care providers (HCPs) considered that mental health would improve better control of migraine. That is why it is important to have a honest discussion both about your mental and physical health with your provider.
Halker Singh said it may still be a good idea to get a second opinion. Asking another HCP to review the diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if you feel it doesn’t work well, it can make the whole difference. Finding an HCP that listens to your concerns and works with you to find the treatment that is right for you is the key to helping you feel better.
This educational resource was created with support from Pfizer.
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