The relation of PTSD symptoms to migraine and headache-related disability among substance dependent inpatients

J Behav Med. 2016 Apr;39(2):300-9. doi: 10.1007/s10865-015-9697-3. Epub 2015 Nov 26.

Abstract

Despite emerging evidence for the comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and migraine, few studies have examined the relation of PTSD and migraine, particularly among clinical populations at-risk for both conditions (e.g., substance-dependent patients). This study examined the role of PTSD symptoms in migraine and headache-related disability within a sample of 153 substance-dependent inpatients (37.25% female, Mean age 36.46). PTSD symptoms predicted both migraine and headache-related disability above and beyond gender, depression and anxiety symptoms, the experience of a Criterion A traumatic event, and current alcohol use disorder. Findings highlight the strong association between migraine and PTSD symptoms in a unique population at risk for both conditions.

Keywords: Alcohol use disorder; Headache-related disability; Migraine; PTSD; Substance use disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / epidemiology
  • Alcoholism / psychology
  • Comorbidity
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Female
  • Headache / epidemiology*
  • Headache / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Migraine Disorders / psychology*
  • Patient Admission
  • Risk Factors
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*