Summary and comments:

This study builds upon and confirms findings of previous studies. Previous studies established clear connections between Migraine disease and major depressive disorder³, bipolar disorder^4,5, and anxiety disorders⁶.

It is still unclear whether the relationship is that of comorbidity (two or more conditions occurring at the same time, but not causing each other) or if there is a causative relationship in which one disorder causes the other. At present, the theory of these disorders being comorbid is more prevalent. More research is needed to answer this question.

The present implication for patients and doctors is to be aware of this connection in order to be alert for and treat both Migraine and any mental health conditions that may exist.

Related articles:

• Anxiety Disorders Associated with Migraine Disease
• Migraine and Bipolar Disorder, a Link
    

¹ Ratcliffe, Gregory E., BSc; Enns, Murray W., .D, FRCP.; Jacobi, Frank, PhD; Belik, Shay-Lee, MSc; Sareen, Jitender, MD, FCDPD. "The relationship between migraine and mental disorders in a population-based sample." General Hospital Psychiatry 31 (2009) 14–19.

² "Migraines and mood disorders may be connected." New York. Reuters Health. January 21, 2009.

³ Lipton, R.B., MD; Hamelsky, S. W. , MPH; Kolodner, K. B., ScD; Steiner, T. J., MB, PhD; Stewart, W. F., PhD, MPH. "Migraine, quality of life, and depression." Neurology 2000;55:629-635.

⁴ Low, Nancy C. P., du Fort, Guillaume Galbaud & Cervantes, Pablo (2003) "Prevalence, Clinical Correlates, and Treatment of Migraine in Bipolar Disorder." Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 43 (9), 940-949. doi: 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2003.03184.x

⁵ McIntyre, Roger S., Konarski, Jakub Z., Wilkins, Kathryn, Bouffard, Beverley, Soczynska, Joanna K. & Kennedy, Sidney H. (2006) "The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine Headache in Bipolar Disorder: Results From the Canadian Community Health Survey." Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 46 (6), 973-982. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00469.x

⁶ Sareen, Jitender, BSc, MD, FRCPC; Jacobi, Frank, PhD; Cox, Brian J., PhD; Belik, Shay-Lee, BSc(Hons) ; Clara, Ian, MA; Stein, Murray B., MD, MPH. "Disability and Poor Quality of Life Associated With Comorbid Migraine Disorders and Physical Conditions." Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:2109-2116.