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Association between eating disorders and migraine may be explained by major depression
Linda Mustelin1, Anu Raevuori, Jaakko Kaprio
1Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|June 4, 2014
Summary
Women with eating disorders have a higher risk of migraine, but this is linked to co-occurring major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD explains the connection between eating disorders and migraine headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- The relationship between eating disorders and migraine is not well understood.
- Migraine is a common neurological condition with significant impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and migraine.
- To explore the role of major depressive disorder (MDD) in this association.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of women with AN and BN and their co-twins was conducted.
- Diagnoses of eating disorders, MDD, and migraine were assessed through clinical interviews and questionnaires.
- Comparisons were made between affected individuals, unaffected co-twins, and unrelated controls.
Main Results:
- Migraine prevalence was 22% in women with AN or BN, compared to 12% in the general population (OR 2.0).
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) was highly prevalent (42%) in women with eating disorders and strongly associated with migraine (OR 3.0).
- MDD accounted for the observed link between eating disorders and migraine; highest migraine rates (36%) were in those with both conditions.
Conclusions:
- Women with a history of eating disorders are twice as likely to experience migraine.
- Comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) fully explains the association between eating disorders and migraine.
- Twin analyses support the co-occurrence of migraine, MDD, and eating disorders.
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