Headache and psychological functioning in children and adolescents
Scott W Powers1, Deborah Kruglak Gilman, Andrew D Hershey
1Division of Behavioural Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA.
Headache
|October 17, 2006
Summary
Children with frequent headaches often experience psychological issues like anxiety and depression. Researching this link is complex due to inconsistent diagnostic methods and study designs, necessitating more rigorous investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Headaches significantly impact children's daily functioning, leading to emotional distress and psychosocial challenges.
- Comorbid psychological issues in pediatric headache are common but poorly understood.
- Existing research is limited by inconsistent diagnostic criteria and methodological flaws.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the relationship between pediatric headache and psychopathology.
- To clarify the magnitude, specificity, and causes of psychological issues in children with headaches.
- To highlight the need for methodologically sound research in this area.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing research on pediatric headache and psychopathology.
- Analysis of studies examining the link between headache frequency, severity, and psychological comorbidities.
- Evaluation of diagnostic criteria and research methodologies used in relevant studies.
Main Results:
- Psychological issues such as anxiety and depression are frequently observed in children and adolescents with recurrent headaches.
- The precise relationship and causality between pediatric headache and psychopathology remain unclear.
- Methodological limitations in current research hinder definitive conclusions.
Conclusions:
- A clear understanding of the link between pediatric headache and psychopathology is lacking.
- Further research with standardized diagnostic criteria and robust methodologies is crucial.
- Addressing psychological comorbidities is essential for comprehensive headache management in children.
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