A history of abuse is associated with more severe migraine- and pain-related disability: Results from the American Registry for Migraine Research.

Background: Prior studies have established an association between a history of abuse and more severe migraine presentation.

Objectives: This cross-sectional, observational study of a clinic-based migraine population used validated measures to elucidate migraine-specific and migraine-related burdens among patients with a history of abuse.

Methods: Patients with migraine (n = 866) from the American Registry for Migraine Research self-reported if they had a history of emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse and completed questionnaires assessing migraine-related burden: Migraine Disability Assessment, Subjective Cognitive Impairment Scale for Migraine Attacks, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7. Migraine-related burden in patients with versus without a history of abuse was compared. Subsequently, a mediation analysis evaluated the impact of depression and anxiety symptoms in the relationship between abuse history and migraine burden.

Results: A history of abuse was reported by 36.5% (n = 316/866) of participants. After controlling for patient age, sex, years lived with headache, and headache frequency, a history of abuse was significantly associated with more severe migraine-related disability. The combined burden of depression and anxiety symptoms mediated the relationship.

Conclusion: A history of abuse is associated with greater migraine-related disability. Future studies should determine if identification and management of the psychological and physical sequelae of abuse reduce migraine burden.