Cluster headache and depression. (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Louter, Mark A.; Wilbrink, Leopoldine A.; Haan, Joost; van Zwet, Erik W.; van Oosterhout, Willebrordus P.J.; Zitman, Frans G.; Ferrari, Michel D.; Terwindt, Gisela M.
• Is Part Of: Neurology. Volume 87:Number 18(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurologie -- Périodiques; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003282
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3878

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: As cluster headache (CH) is often referred to as "suicide headache, " we wanted to assess the prevalence of depression in CH patients, and to investigate determinants of depression such as sleep disturbances. Methods: In a cross-sectional, web-based, validated questionnaire study among 462 well-defined CH patients and 177 controls, we diagnosed CH according to the ICHD-III. We assessed depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D) with supplementary questions to assess lifetime depression. Data were analyzed with logistic and linear regression models. Results: Lifetime depression showed almost 3 times higher odds in CH patients (n = 462) than controls (n = 177) (odds ratio 2.77; 95% confidence interval 1.70–4.51). Chronic (n = 67) vs episodic (n = 394) patients had a higher prevalence of lifetime depression and more sleeping problems. Current depression was associated with having active attacks (last attack <1 month) (adjusted p = 0.02), but no effect remained after correction for sleep disturbances. Conclusions: CH is associated with an almost 3 times increased odds of lifetime depression. Current depression is highly prevalent in patients with active disease, in part related to sleep disturbances due to current nocturnal attacks.