Migraines linked to depression in children

According to the study, “children suffering from migraines are at risk of developing emotional and behavioural problems such as depression and anxiety.”

The study, published in the latest edition of the medical journal Headache, 'tested child functioning with comparison to children who are not experiencing headaches or migraines. The results showed that children suffering from migraines were “demonstrating significant elevations in total behaviour problems and internalizing symptoms, including somatic complaints, anxiety and depression, and aggressive behaviour.”

According to Dr Elliot Shevel, South Africa's migraine surgery pioneer, it is vital that parents do not dismiss headache complaints in children without proper investigation. “Young children believe everything the parent says.” stated Shevel in a recent interview. “If you tell your child ‘you're just making this up' your child will believe you and start internalizing self blame. Internalizing this self blame for a medical condition over which the child has no control has been shown to cause serious psychological and emotional problems for the child.”

There is therefore a great deal of concern regarding the emotional -wellbeing of children with migraine, as these disturbances can result in children being misdiagnosed with depression, without proper treatment of their headache or migraine problem.

For further information please contact Sr. Lindy Wanenburg on +27 11 484 093.