People with migraine have an increased risk of depression. In addition, depression can also increase the risk of migraine. Although there is no clear explanation for the link between migraine and depression, they may share similar causes.
Genetic factors, changes in the brain, and alterations of chemicals in the body can play a part in both conditions. Migraine may also impact quality of life, which could negatively affect mental health.
This article looks at the link between migraine and depression, treatment options, and prevention tips.
According to a 2022 article, people with migraine may be three to six times more likely to experience depression compared to people who do not experience severe headaches.
Experts are still unclear on the exact link between migraine and depression. However, both migraine and depression may share genetic risk factors. The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) notes that both conditions share a link to similar chemicals within the body, and hereditary and genetic factors may play a role.
Migraine can be debilitating for some people, and can negatively affect quality of life, which may lead to mental health problems.
Other people may also experience depression and anxiety, and later develop migraine. People with depression may have a higher risk of developing migraine.
Chronic pain conditions such as migraine can interfere with daily life and may have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. People may experience sadness or frustration and may experience mental health conditions as a result.
Genetic factors and differences in the brain may also play a role in depression with migraine.
In people with both migraine and depression, researchers have found changes in certain areas of the brain, including reduced activity in the thalamus. The thalamus is a part of the brain that processes sensory information.
Both depression and migraine may share similar genetic factors. Changes to the serotonin transporter gene, which helps to regulate serotonin in the body, are linked to an increased risk of both depression and migraine occurrence.
Both conditions may also be caused by low levels of serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, as well as many other bodily functions.
Certain medications for migraine may also cause side effects that impact mood. According to a 2021 case report, there may be a link between triptans, a class of drugs to treat migraine, and depression.
There have been reports of people with migraine experiencing depressive symptoms after starting sumatriptan, or abruptly stopping sumatriptan.
According to the AMF, people with migraine may be around five times more likely to experience depression compared to people without migraine.
Around 20% of people with episodic migraine may have depression, although this percentage may increase in relation to the number of migraine attacks people experience each month.
People with migraine may also experience anxiety. Around 20% of people with episodic migraine, and around 30–50% of people with chronic migraine, may have anxiety.
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Antidepressants are a treatment option for migraine and may also be an effective treatment for people with both migraine and depression.
According to a 2019 article, the following antidepressants may be beneficial:
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs such as venlafaxine and duloxetine may be the most effective treatment for people with migraine and depression.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): If people experience insomnia, which may link to depression, TCAs may a suitable option due to their sedative effect. Amitriptyline may be the most effective antidepressant for preventing migraine, while nortriptyline may be a suitable alternative if people do not tolerate amitriptyline.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, may not be effective for most people with migraine.
It is important to note that SSRIs and SNRIs may interact with triptans. These medications affect serotonin receptors and serotonin levels.
Although unlikely, this may lead to excessive levels of serotonin in the body, causing serotonin syndrome which can be dangerous without treatment.
People must discuss with their doctor any possible risks or side effects of combining migraine medication with antidepressants.
People may find that certain therapies may help to prevent depression and mood disorders with migraine, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help people to manage stress and alter thinking patterns that may contribute to depression.
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or guided visual imagery may help in preventing depression and anxiety, as well as reducing stress which can worsen migraine symptoms.
- Biofeedback: This measures nervous system activity and teaches people how to control responses in the body, such as releasing muscle tension due to mood changes.
- Sleep hygiene: People should try to maintain good sleep hygiene and get quality sleep each night.
- Physical activity: People should try to keep active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Isolation can also increase the risk of depression. Those with migraine may find it beneficial to remain as social as possible.
If people are unable to sustain enough long-term work to earn a livable income due to migraine, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
People can apply for SSDI through the Social Security Administration. People will need to meet certain criteria, such as proving the level of impairment migraine causes and the duration of the condition.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
People can contact a doctor if they are experiencing migraine with depression. A doctor will be able to provide a diagnosis and suggest suitable treatment options.
People will need to contact a doctor if they have taken an antidepressant such as an SSRI or SNRI alongside a triptan medication and experience any of the following:
- unusual body movements, such as rigidity, muscle spasms, or twitching
- high body temperature
- increased heart rate
- change in blood pressure
- agitation or anxiety
- confusion
- drowsiness
The above symptoms may indicate serotonin syndrome, and people will need to seek medical help straight away for treatment
Migraine and depression can occur together. This may be due to changes in the brain and chemical messengers that can occur with both conditions.
The impact of migraine on quality of life may negatively affect mental health. There may also be a genetic or heredity link between both conditions. People with depression may also have an increased risk of developing migraine.
Treating either condition may lead to an improvement in the other. Certain antidepressants may help to effectively treat both migraine and depression, helping to manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.