Headache symptoms consistent with migraine and tension-type headaches in children with anxiety disorders

Abstract

Objective

To examine the incidence of headache symptoms consistent with migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) in children with anxiety disorders.

Method.

Parents of children with anxiety disorders (n = 27) and children without anxiety disorders (n = 36) completed a headache questionnaire based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (2nd edition) criteria.

Results

Children with anxiety disorders had a higher incidence of headache symptoms consistent with migraine and TTH compared to children without anxiety disorders. Girls with anxiety disorders and children with separation anxiety disorder had a higher incidence of headaches compared to girls without anxiety disorders and children with other anxiety disorders respectively. Children with anxiety disorders and headaches had higher self-reported anxiety symptom severity compared to children with anxiety disorders without headaches and children without anxiety disorders.

Conclusion

Findings highlight an overlap in anxiety and headaches in children and warrant further research on factors that contribute to the etiology and maintenance of these co-occurring problems.