Migraine Can Lead to Suicidal Tendencies, Depression in Youngsters: Study

Young people suffering from migraines are also vulnerable to depression, a latest study states.

The researchers at University of Toronto analysed the data of over 67,000 Canadians collected from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey. More than 6,000 participants were diagnosed with migraine.

The study analysis showed that youngsters suffering from migraine had greater chances of developing depression. It showed that women below 30 had six times more chances of exhibiting depressive symptoms compared to women above 65 years of age. Young unmarried women with migraines were also prone to the condition.

According to the lead study author Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, Chair at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, the results further showed that men and women with migraine had suicidal tendencies. This was because of various social factors such as unmarried status, lower household income and greater activity restrictions.

"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 in 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."

Migraines can have a serious health impact. It can cause fainting, light flashes, blind spots or tingly sensations in certain spots of the body.

The study was published in the journal 'Depression Research and Treatment.'