Post-traumatic stress disorder and anger in migraine patients

Abstract

Objective: In recent studies, a relationship between migraine headaches and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been suggested. The clinicians in most of these studies have not diagnosed PTSD; the evaluation has been carried out using screening scales. It has also been asserted that there is a relation between anger and migraine and other chronic painful disorders. This study aimed to search the prevalence of clinically diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among migraine patients and the relationship with anger. Method: Sixty consecutive migraine patients directed from neurology clinic and 60 healthy controls having similar features constituted the sample of this study. SCID-I/CV PTSD module and clinician administered posttraumatic stress disorder scale (CAPS) implemented by the clinician were administered to the sample. The sample also filled in the socio-demographic data form and Spielberg's State-Trait Anger-Anger Expression Scale (STAXI). Results: Seventeen persons (28%) in the migraine group and 5 persons (8.3%) in the control group were diagnosed with PTSD. In the migraine group, PTSD was found at a statistically significantly higher level. The trait anger and anger in subscale scores in the migraine group were found statistically significantly higher compared to the control group. In the migraine group, the anger out subscale mean score was statistically significantly higher in the ones with PSTD than the ones without it. A positive correlation was detected between the scores of trait anger and CAPS and a negative correlation between the scores of anger control and CAPS. Conclusion: In migraine patients, PTSD, trait anger and internal anger are higher compared to the healthy ones. In migraine patients diagnosed with PTSD, the external anger has increased. It may be suggested to seek for the trauma experiences in migraine patients and search the efficiency of trauma and anger directed therapies.