Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Pain Catastrophizing in Migraine: Associations with Disability and Quality of Life.

Migraine is a common neurological condition that affects daily life. This study explored how stress, anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing impact migraine severity. Researchers studied 128 patients in outpatient clinics in SADAT City, Egypt. Participants filled out several questionnaires in Arabic to assess their symptoms. Results showed that many patients experienced high psychological distress. Over 66% reported significant anxiety and depression symptoms. The analysis revealed that depression and perceived stress strongly predicted migraine severity. These factors also lowered the quality of life for patients. Anxiety and pain catastrophizing were also influential but less so. Interestingly, female participants showed higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to males. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological factors in migraine treatment. This could improve both symptom management and overall quality of life for patients experiencing migraines. Clinical relevance: This research indicates that treating psychological distress may enhance migraine management and improve patients' quality of life.