Depression and anxiety linked to obesity, migraines

Researchers at The University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio recently set out to look at possible links between depression, anxiety, obesity and migraines.

Obesity and migraine headaches have become increasingly prevalent over the past several years, and each of these conditions shows a possible link to emotional disorders such as depression or anxiety. Study participants were assessed for a number of factors including headache frequency and headache disability (the number of days missed from work due to migraine headaches) as well as body mass index (BMI). Participants filled out questionnaires that included information on demographics, various headache features, and diagnosed psychiatric conditions.

Results showed a definite link between anxiety and depression, migraines and obesity. Anxiety was observed in 70% of obese participants who also suffered from migraines, while 42% of the obese migraine sufferers were diagnosed with depression. Depression showed a significant relationship with both the body mass index and the frequency of migraines.

Ultimately, the study found that anxiety and depression were both common amongst people who suffered migraines and were obese, and these conditions were more common amongst obese migraine sufferers than people of a normal weight who suffered migraines.

In the past, most physical maladies, including obesity and migraine headaches, have been treated physically. In recent years, however, the link between such emotional disorders as anxiety and depression and physical disorders such as obesity and migraines has become more clearly established, causing doctors to contemplate the necessity for more comprehensive health care that takes both physical and emotional wellness factors into account.

This study is preliminary, and more research as to the definite links between depression, anxiety, and physical health issues is needed.

Early emotional disorder prevention may be able to prevent later onset of more serious physical disorders. If children and adolescents are screened for anxiety and depression, it may head obesity and migraine headaches linked to these disorders off at the pass. Taking early precautions with psychotherapeutic, medical and lifestyle interventions that treat anxiety and depression can help increase physical as well as emotional health.

© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.

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