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MIGRAINES AND COMORBID
MENTAL HEALTH
CONDITIONS
Duration: 1 year (2023 – 2024)
This report is a continuation of previous research on the connection between migraine and mental health conditions, focusing on both the economic and social impacts of this comorbidity. It builds upon the findings from a Europe-wide survey, workshops, and expert webinars conducted by GAMIAN-Europe and the European Migraine and Headache Alliance. The previous report highlighted the struggles faced by women experiencing both migraine and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. In this follow-up, the report explores the co-occurrence of migraine and mental health conditions, particularly anxiety and depression, emphasizing the bidirectional nature of this relationship. This means that migraine can exacerbate mental health issues and vice versa. The report identifies substantial economic and social costs associated with this comorbidity. Healthcare approaches to treating this comorbidity are often fragmented, focusing on either migraine or mental health conditions but rarely addressing both in an integrated manner.
Participants in the study reported frequent, unpredictable, and debilitating migraine attacks that profoundly affected their daily activities, personal relationships, and mental health. Stigma and discrimination in the workplace and healthcare services were common, and participants often felt misunderstood or that their condition was minimized. The need for more holistic, integrated treatment approaches was highlighted, as addressing both migraine and mental health simultaneously can lead to better outcomes
Cost of migraine in the EU alone amounts to €50 billion annually, with absenteeism and lost productivity being major contributors.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this report is to combine findings from a rapid literature review with lived experiences to raise awareness about the comorbidity of migraine and mental health and its economic and social costs. The goal is to promote better investment in research and treatment for this condition.
The literature review aimed to summarize key research on:
- The frequency of migraine and comorbid mental health conditions.
- The relationship between comorbidity and its treatment.
- The economic and social costs of migraine and mental health conditions, both separately and together.
The workshop gathered personal experiences to support a campaign focused on raising awareness of the impact of this comorbidity.
Get in touch
If you would like to know more about this project, contact us at secretariat@gamian.eu.
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