0
0
Aarhus, Denmark – A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Aarhus University has revealed a significant link between headache disorders and an increased risk of suicide. Published in JAMA Neurology, the study analyzed data spanning 25 years and found that individuals diagnosed with migraines, tension-type headaches, posttraumatic headaches, and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are at a higher risk of both attempted and completed suicide.
Key Findings
The research examined data from 119,486 Danish citizens diagnosed with headache disorders between 1995 and 2020, matching them with 597,430 control individuals without headache diagnoses. The study found:
- A 15-year absolute risk of 0.78% for attempted suicide among individuals with headaches, compared to 0.33% in the control group, reflecting a 0.45% risk difference.
- A 15-year absolute risk of 0.21% for completed suicide among those diagnosed with headaches, compared to 0.15% in the control group, indicating a 0.06% risk difference.
After adjusting for various factors, hazard ratios (HRs) remained elevated:
- Migraine: HR of 1.71 for attempted suicide and 1.09 for completed suicide.
- Tension-Type Headaches: HR of 1.91 for attempted suicide and 1.44 for completed suicide.
- Posttraumatic Headache: HR of 3.14 for attempted suicide and 3.22 for completed suicide.
- Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias (TACs): HR of 1.97 for attempted suicide and 2.40 for completed suicide.
Psychiatric Comorbidities and Other Risk Factors
The study also found that individuals diagnosed with headaches were more likely to have co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. Even after controlling for these variables, the association between headache disorders and suicide risk remained significant.
Notably, while the association between headaches and suicide risk was somewhat reduced among individuals with preexisting mood or substance use disorders, it was still present across different demographics, including variations in sex, age, income, and education level.
Implications for Healthcare
These findings highlight the need for early psychiatric evaluation and behavioral health interventions for individuals diagnosed with headaches. Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen patients with headache disorders for suicidal ideation and mental health concerns to implement timely preventive measures.
Conclusion
As headache disorders affect approximately 66.6% of the global population, this study underscores the importance of integrating mental health support into headache management. Further research is needed to explore targeted interventions and strategies to mitigate the risks associated with headache disorders.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, seek immediate professional help or contact local support services.
