The study released by the Korean Headache Society in time for ‘Migraine Day’ on Wednesday revealed just over half of migraine patients were found to suffer from depression, which disrupts daily functioning and causes both psychological and physical problems. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 24 (Korea Bizwire) – One in two migraine patients in South Korea also suffer from depression and anxiety disorders, a new study has found.
The study released by the Korean Headache Society in time for ‘Migraine Day’ on Wednesday revealed just over half of migraine patients were found to suffer from depression, which disrupts daily functioning and causes both psychological and physical problems.
The researchers arrived at their conclusions after studying a sample of 371 individuals without a history of migraines and comparing them with another 371 migraine sufferers from 11 hospitals across the country.
Only 5.1 percent of those not experiencing headaches were found to suffer from depression, a significantly lower figure than the migraine patients.
Of the 371 people, only 11 suffered from anxiety disorders, which meant that the risks of depression and anxiety disorders were 10 times and 16 times higher, respectively, for migraine patients.
Migraine patients also had stronger suicidal tendencies as a result of poor mental health, with one in three having thought about, planned, or attempted suicide in the past.
“Migraine patients should not only focus on headaches but also pay attention to and maintain their mental health,” said Kim Byung-gun, the head of the Korean Headache Society.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
