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Post-traumatic stress disorder in chronic post-traumatic headache patients
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri 63104.
Headache
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Nearly 30% of chronic post-traumatic headache patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after motor vehicle accidents. PTSD patients showed higher depression and anger, and a history of headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Motor vehicle accidents frequently cause chronic headaches.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can co-occur with chronic pain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PTSD in patients with chronic post-traumatic headache.
- To identify factors associated with PTSD in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of patients with chronic post-traumatic headache following motor vehicle accidents.
- Assessment of PTSD using standardized diagnostic criteria.
- Comparison of demographic and clinical variables between PTSD and non-PTSD groups.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30% of the sample met the criteria for PTSD.
- Patients with PTSD reported significantly higher levels of depression and suppressed anger.
- A history of pre-existing headaches was more common in patients with PTSD.
Conclusions:
- PTSD is prevalent in chronic post-traumatic headache patients.
- Screening for PTSD is crucial in individuals experiencing headaches after trauma.
- Co-occurring PTSD may influence symptom presentation and treatment approaches for post-traumatic headaches.