Pain catastrophizing and suicidal ideation in migraine

IntroductionThe literature has highlighted the relevance of investigating cognitive responses to pain and suicidal ideation in patients with migraine.ObjectiveTo examine the associations between symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and suicidal ideation in these patients.MethodsParticipating in this study were 149 adult individuals diagnosed with migraine according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders – 3rd Edition (2013), from three specialized outpatient clinics in the Southern region of Brazil, who answered questionnaires assessing pain catastrophizing, depression, and anxiety.ResultsThe group with suicidal ideation presented higher levels of depression, anxiety, amplification, and helplessness, with effect sizes ranging from d = 0.62 to d = 1.32, compared to the group without suicidal ideation.ConclusionsThese results reinforce the importance of assessing mental health symptoms in migraine patients, taking into account psychiatric comorbidities and cognitive responses to pain.