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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> CH and Psychology/psychiatry
        
(Message started by: wildhaus on Feb 16^th, 2006, 2:46pm)

Title: CH and Psychology/psychiatry
Post by wildhaus on Feb 16^th, 2006, 2:46pm

Does any one know of any sort of publication or links on the web about CH and it psycol. effects............ [smiley=huh.gif] not looking for treatment or meds. Just what are the effects of CH on one's psychol. well being.........

Knowing is half the treatment....... ::) or is it not?

Michael

Title: Re: CH and Psychology/psychiatry
Post by Karla on Feb 16^th, 2006, 3:46pm

I think for chronic's depression tends to run high. I don't know. It hard to say. I don't think any studies or polls have been done on it. I know alot of people who have ch that suffer from depression but I also know alot of people who don't suffer from depression. Maybe its 50/50 who knows.

I guess all one can do is evaluate yourself. Know the signs and symptoms of depression and keep an open mind. If and when the need arises talk to your family physician about your needs. There is help out there you just need to ask for it.

Good luck!

Title: Re: CH and Psychology/psychiatry
Post by Dragnlance on Feb 16^th, 2006, 4:21pm

Luckily I dont have a problem with depression, except during major attacks. Don't know why, after reading so much about it here, and I am chronic.

I have had major bouts with it in the past however, and it is insidious. Treat it, get help, even if it is just someone to talk to. Don't let it ruin your life. (or end it)
Just not worth that.

Title: Re: CH and Psychology/psychiatry
Post by floridian on Feb 16^th, 2006, 5:51pm

Anxiety disorders seem to be more common - probably related to serotonin disturbances. Here's a link:

http://www.med-owl.com/clusterheadaches/tiki-index.php?page=Anxiety

Depression is probably also more common among CH sufferers - don't have any data offhand. Unfortunately, the SSRIs that are commonly used for anxiety and depression do not cut down on migraines or cluster headaches, although there is some evidence that older antidepressants like imipramine may.

Title: Re: CH and Psychology/psychiatry
Post by Bob_Johnson on Feb 16^th, 2006, 9:32pm

This report, and a few others I located, conclude that there is no clear patterns in psychological functioning or personality type. I would expect some higher frequency in anxiety and depression but not at a level which might be said to define cluster folks.
------
Psychosom Med. 1982 May;44(2):171-82.

Psychological functioning in headache sufferers.

Andrasik F, Blanchard EB, Arena JG, Teders SJ, Teevan RC, Rodichok LD.

The present study examined the psychological test responses of 99 headache sufferers and 30 matched nonheadache controls. Headache subjects were of four types: migraine (n = 26), muscle contraction (n = 39), combined migraine-muscle contract ion (n = 22), and cluster (n = 12). Measures consisted of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, a modified hostility scale derived from the MMPI, Back Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Autonomic Perception Questionnaire, Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, Social Readjustment Rating Scale, Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist, Schalling-Sifneos Scale, Need for Achievement, and Hostile Press. Significant differences were found on five clinical scales of the MMPI--1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Of the non-MMPI scales, only the Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist and Trait Anxiety Inventory were significant. Control subjects revealed no significant findings on any tests. The headache groups fell along a continuum, beginning with cluster subjects, who showed only minimal distress, continuing through migraine and combined migraine-muscle contraction, and ending with muscle contraction subjects, who revealed the greatest degree of psychological disturbance. However, none of the headache groups could be characterized by marked elevations on any of the psychological tests, which contrasts with past research findings. It is suggested that the present results may be more representative of the "typical" headache sufferer.

PMID: 7089156

Title: Re: CH and Psychology/psychiatry
Post by Kevin_M on Feb 16^th, 2006, 9:43pm

on 02/16/06 at 21:32:02, Bob_Johnson wrote:

Thank you Bob.

Title: Re: CH and Psychology/psychiatry
Post by floridian on Feb 16^th, 2006, 10:13pm

on 02/16/06 at 21:32:02, Bob_Johnson wrote:

...
However, none of the headache groups could be characterized by marked elevations on any of the psychological tests, which contrasts with past research findings.

PMID: 7089156

Some of the past results suggested an increase in aggressiveness. Would never guess that from reading the posts on this board. ;)

But I would agree with what Bob said about no typical or stereotypical personality ... higher chances of finding someone with a particular mood disorder, but nothing that is anywhere near universal.