Personality characteristics in patients with migraine headaches

ABSTRACT

To determine the personality characteristics in patients with migraine headaches. The sample group of this cross-sectional study included 96 adult patients suffering from migraine who were randomly selected to be tested by Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory [MMPI], from which eight Personality scales [hypochondriasis depression, schizophrenia, psychopathy, paranoia, psychasthenia, hysteria and mania] were reviewed. Of all participants, 77 were female, 66 were married, 58 had a college degree or higher education and the patients' mean age was 32.8 years. As of personality characteristics, the symptoms of somatization, hysteria and obsessive-compulsive disorder were more prominent in women, whereas depression, anxiety and psychasthenia were the main features of MMPI test interpretation among men. Patients with migraine headaches have specific personality features that may affect the initiation and exacerbation of headaches and the symptoms of migraine disease. Considering the personality and psychologic aspects of these patients could be beneficial in their management