Magnification of anxiety sensitivity, alexithymia, anger and bodily sensations in patients with migraine headache

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, alexithymia, anxiety sensitivity, exaggerated physical sensations and anger expression in patients with migraine headache were compared with a healthy control group. Material and Methods: A total of 88 migraine headache patients and 91 healthy volunteers who applied to the Neurology Clinic and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Sociodemographic Data Form, Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Physical Sensation Exaggeration Scale (BIDS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) and Spielberger Trait Anger Expression Scale (LASP) were administered to all subjects included in the study. Results: In our study, 59 (67%) of the patients with migraine were female and 29 (33%) were male, while 59 (64.8%) of the control group were female and 32 (35.2%) were male. The mean age of the patient group was 39.07 +/- 7.5 (25-55) years, while the mean age of the control group was 37.30 +/- 8.2 (25-55) years. When compared according to the mean scores of ASI, BIDS and TAS, it was determined that the scores of the patient group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Anger expression style was higher in the patient group compared to the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of anger expression and anger control. A significant relationship was found between TAS and trait anger, anger-in and anger-out scores. Conclusion: In this study, many patients with migraine headache were associated with a psychiatric symptom. These psychiatric symptoms, which affect the current treatment of patients and the course of the disease, are often overlooked or misdiagnosed by clinicians. Our study demonstrates the need for inter-clinical consultation and liaison.