Investigating the association between migraine and major depression: a retrospective cohort study

Overview

Abstract (English)

Population-based cross-sectional studies have consistently reported an association between migraine and depression. However, longitudinal studies about their bidirectional association are inconsistent. This retrospective cohort study used 12 years of follow-up data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey (15,254 respondents, age >12). Stratified analysis, logistic regression, and proportional hazard modeling were used to quantify the effect of migraine on subsequent major depressive episodes (MDE) status and vice versa. After adjusting for sex, age, and other chronic health conditions, respondents with migraine were 60% more likely (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3-1.9) to develop MDE compared to those without migraine. Similarly adjusting for sex and age, respondents with MDE were 40% more likely (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9) to develop migraine compared to those without MDE. However, this association disappears after adjustment for stress and childhood trauma. Future research should seek to illuminate the mechanisms underlying the association between migraine and MDE.

Abstract (French)

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