Depression Scores Following Migraine Treatment In Patients Attending A Specialized Center For Headache And Neurology

Objective.-To determine the changes in clinical characteristics and depression levels among patients following treatment for migraine.Background.-Epidemiologic studies have provided consistent evidence regarding an association between migraine and depression. In Puerto Rico, however, migraine has not yet been systematically investigated.Methods.-A chart review of 144 Puerto Rican patients who presented with migraine, diagnosed according to the International Headache Society criteria, and depression over a 2-year period was performed. The level of depression, before and after migraine treatment, was evaluated using the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale.Results The mean age of patients was 37.0 +/- 14.4 years; 77.1% were women. More than half (52.8%) reported severe headache and 56.9% reported a monthly frequency of five attacks or more. Nearly 9% were using antidepressant therapy and 8% were under psychiatric treatment. The mean Zung index score at baseline was 50.6 +/- 10.9. Following treatment with triptans, the intensity and frequency of migraine and the Zung index score decreased significantly (P<.00001). A trend for a greater reduction in Zung index scores among patients receiving triptan medications for more than a year was demonstrated (P=.07).Conclusions.-These results indicate that migraine treatment with triptans appears to be effective in decreasing the headache frequency and intensity, and depression levels, independent of antidepressant medication use or psychiatric treatment.