Study objectives:
- To examine "whether there were unique associations between the presence of an Migraine disorder with particular physical conditions."
- To examine "whether the comorbidity of Migraine and physical health problems was independently associated with poor quality of life and disability even after adjusting for potential confounding factors (e.g., overall burden of physical illness)."
Study methods:
The GHS assessed physical conditions based on a combination of three methods:
- a self-report questionnaire, which asked about the presence of 44 physical conditions
- a standardized computer-assisted medical interview by a general practice physician
- blood pressure measurements and analysis of blood and urine samples.
Study results:
After Sareen et al adjusted for sociodemographic factors and other common psychological disorders, an Migraine disorder was significantly associated with:
- allergies
- arthritis
- gastrointestinal disease
- Migraine disease
- respiratory disease
- thyroid disease
Study conclusion:
"In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that Migraine disorders are uniquely associated with several physical health conditions in the community, and this comorbidity is itself associated with poorer functional outcomes. In combination with recent data demonstrating that Migraine disorders are risk factors for suicidal behavior, the current study suggests that Migraine disorders should be considered an important public health problem in the community. During the last decade, efforts have been substantially increased to improve recognition and treatment of depression in general practice. Similar efforts should be strongly considered for Migraine disorders."
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Resources:
Jitender Sareen, BSc, MD, FRCPC; Frank Jacobi, PhD; Brian J. Cox, PhD; Shay-Lee Belik, BSc(Hons) ; Ian Clara, MA; Murray B. Stein, MD, MPH . "Disability and Poor Quality of Life Associated With Comorbid Migraine Disorders and Physical Conditions." Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:2109-2116.
Gale, Karla. "Comorbid Migraine Disorders Worsen Effects of Physical Diseases." Reuters Health Information. October 24, 2006.
© Teri Robert, 2007.
Last updated November 14, 2007.
