Summary and comments
Given previous evidence of the correlation between Migraine disease and depression, the results of this study come as no surprise. Nor is it surprising that this issue has not been better addressed in the past. A 2006 report showed that soldiers in Iraq are not receiving appropriate care for their Migraine attacks. In fact, Migraine abortive triptans were being given to only 3% of Migraineur soldiers in Iraq. (See Soldiers in Iraq: Migraines Up, Management Down.)
This study provides some of the best evidence to date regarding Migraine, depression, PTSD, and anxiety occurring together and the impact of these disorders. If used wisely, it provides the basis for far better care in the future.
Resources:
1 R. B. Lipton, S. W. Hamelsky, K. B. Kolodner, T. J. Steiner, and W. F. Stewart. “Migraine, quality of life, and depression: A population-based case–control study.” Neurology, Sep 2000; 55: 629 - 635.
2 N. Breslau, R. B. Lipton, W. F. Stewart, L. R. Schultz, and K. M.A. Welch. “Comorbidity of Migraine and depression: Investigating potential etiology and prognosis.” Neurology, Apr 2003; 60: 1308 - 1312.
Press Release. “For Iraq veterans, Migraines may be sign of other problems.” American Academy of Neurology. Boston. May 3, 2007.
Osterweil, Neil. “AAN: Migraine in Iraq Vets a Marker for Psychiatric Disorders.” MedPage Today. May 3, 2007.
Theeler, Brett J.; Erickson, Jay C.; Mercer, Renee. Department of Neurology, Madigan Army Medical Center; Fort Lewis, WA. "Prevalence and Impact of Migraine Among U.S. Army Soldiers Deployed to a Combat Theater." Research Poster Presentation. 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society. Los Angeles. June 23, 2006.
Interview: Captain Brett J. Theeler, MD, and Michael John Coleman, Executive Director of MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association. June 26, 2006.
Last updated May 29, 2007
