Young Migraine Sufferers more Likely to have Suicidal Thoughts

A recent study shows that those who suffer from migraines are twice as likely to also suffer from depression.

According to researchers from the University of Toronto, they found that younger migraine sufferers were particularly at a higher risk to encounter depressive symptoms. In fact, findings showed that women who were younger than 30 were up to six times more likely to have issues than those aged 65 and up.

Lead study author Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, Chair at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, also found that unmarried individuals who suffered from migraines were at a higher risk to suffer from depression during their daily activities.

While looking at data from a representative sample of more than 67,000 Canadians via the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey, the information showed that more than 6,000 respondents had been diagnosed with migraines. One in every seven of the participants were also women.

Both men and women who suffered from migraines were more likely to seriously consider suicide, undermining over factors possibly associated with suicidal ideation, such as unmarried status, lower household income and greater activity limitations.

"We are not sure why younger migraineurs have such a high likelihood of depression and suicidal ideation," co-author and former graduate student Meghan Schrumm said, via a press release. "It may be that younger people with migraines have not yet managed to find adequate treatment or develop coping mechanisms to minimize pain and the impact of this chronic illness on the rest of their lives. The much lower prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation among older migraineurs suggests a promising area for future research."

A migraine attack can be quite devastating for the individual suffering its symptoms. Imagine a throbbing and pulsing sensation in one area of the head that is commonly accompanied by nausea, extreme sensitivity to light or sound and possibly even vomiting. These attacks can last hours and even days, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some more serious migraines may cause fainting, flashes of light, blind spots or tingly sensations in certain spots of the body.

Some medications can help prevent the occurrence of a migraine if an individual feels an attack beginning to take place. Make sure to talk with your doctor about any issues you may be having.

More information regarding this study can be found via the journal Depression Research and Treatment.