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Updated: Jul 14, 2025
08:20
MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: August 11, 2015
14.0K
Migraine and treatment-resistant depression
1Department of Medical Research & Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Progress in Brain Research
|October 8, 2023
Summary
Migraine and major depressive disorders (MDD) share common causes and a bidirectional relationship, increasing risks for both conditions. Novel therapies targeting shared pathways show promise for treating this comorbidity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Medical Research
Background:
- Migraine and major depressive disorders (MDD), including treatment-resistant depression (TRD), are prevalent global health issues.
- These conditions frequently co-occur (comorbidity), complicating diagnosis and treatment strategies.
- Epidemiological data reveal a bidirectional link, where suffering from one disorder elevates the risk of developing the other.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex relationship between migraine and MDD/TRD.
- To review shared underlying factors contributing to this comorbidity.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies for patients with comorbid migraine and MDD/TRD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of research on shared genetic, neurotransmitter, inflammatory, and hormonal pathways.
- Evaluation of novel therapeutic interventions for comorbid conditions.
Main Results:
- Shared genetic factors, neurotransmitter dysregulation, inflammation, and hormonal alterations contribute to the migraine-MDD/TRD comorbidity.
- Emerging therapies targeting common pathways, including CGRP inhibitors, onabotulinumtoxinA, ketamine, vagus nerve stimulation, and TMS, show potential.
- These novel treatments may benefit selected patients with comorbid migraine and MDD/TRD.
Conclusions:
- The bidirectional relationship between migraine and MDD/TRD is influenced by shared biological and environmental factors.
- Targeting common pathways offers a promising avenue for treating comorbid migraine and MDD/TRD.
- Further research is essential for early detection, understanding contributing factors, and developing effective interventions to reduce disease burden.
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