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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Anxiety disorders and migraine intractability and progression
Todd A Smitherman1, Donald B Penzien, Morris Maizels
1Head Pain Center, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. tsmitherman@residents.umsmed.edu
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|September 18, 2008
Summary
Anxiety disorders are increasingly recognized as significant factors in migraine chronification and intractability, potentially more so than depression. This review explores their impact, mechanisms, and management strategies for migraine patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Comorbidity Research
Background:
- Psychopathology, particularly depression, is a known risk factor for migraine chronification.
- Recent studies highlight a high prevalence of anxiety disorders in migraineurs.
- Anxiety disorders are increasingly implicated in migraine intractability and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent findings on the link between anxiety disorders and migraine.
- To explore potential mechanisms underlying this comorbidity.
- To discuss assessment and management strategies for anxiety in migraine patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on migraine and comorbid anxiety disorders.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding the prognostic significance of anxiety versus depression in migraine.
- Discussion of clinical implications and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Anxiety disorders are disproportionately common in migraineurs.
- Evidence suggests anxiety disorders may be more significant than depression in predicting migraine progression and intractability.
- Mechanisms linking anxiety and migraine are complex and multifactorial.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety disorders represent a critical comorbidity in migraine management.
- Effective assessment and treatment of anxiety are essential for improving migraine outcomes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate causal pathways and optimize interventions.
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