An exploratory study of migraine pain and identity: How does a migraine diagnosis shape a woman's identity?

ABSTRACT

Migraine is a prevalent but frequently misdiagnosed medical condition involving significant social stigma, leaving many patients feeling devalued and/or misunderstood. Women make up the majority of individuals diagnosed with migraine. This study examined the ways in which a migraine diagnosis shapes an individual's identity. This study's sample consisted of eight female participants, age 31 to 64, who identified as established outpatients at a specialty headache clinic in Chicago, Illinois, which provides services to patients presenting with migraine pain. The interviews were administered in a semi-structured format which provided some structure but also allowed participants the opportunity to elaborate on each topic. All interviews were conducted virtually via a secure video conferencing platform due to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of the participants and primary investigator. The interview data collected were qualitatively analyzed using grounded theory to identify key themes related to sense of self and identity and its evolution in response to living with a migraine diagnosis. The results indicated that all participants reported that having a diagnosis of migraine meaningfully impacted their identity in various domains of their life in arenas such as marriage, family, work, friendships, daily life, and sense of self. Some participants expressed feelings of failure regarding their diagnosis whereas others expressed feelings of acceptance. The aim of this study was to contribute meaningfully to existing literature in this area, to assist health care providers in working holistically with this population, and to help validate the experiences of individuals with a diagnosis of migraine. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)