Received: 3 January, 2010 Accepted: 15 April, 2010

Abstract:

Background & Aims: Psychological problems are prevalent among patients with chronic headache. A large percentage of those with migraine headache are depressed and many of them suffer from anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was assessing the personality traits in migraine patients. 

Materials & Methods: We randomly selected one hundred patients with migraine headaches who referred to neurology clinics. In this cross-sectional research migraine headache was diagnosed by a neurologist and recorded by IHS questionnaire. To assess personality traits, we used NEO-FFI test. Patients with a major psychiatric disorder were excluded and eighty six subjects completed the study.

Results: OF all participants, 67% were female, 35% were married, and 45% high school or university graduates. The mean age was 30 years. Compared to normal population, obsessive traits were more common in migraineurs. Female had low scores in openness to experiences and male had low scores in neuroticism.

Conclusion: In accordance to previous studies, we found a relationship between personality traits and migraine considering psychological profile of patients that can affect the outcome and treatment of migraine.

Keywords: Migraine headache, Personality traits, Psychopathology