A large-scale Danish study has revealed that individuals diagnosed with headaches face a significantly higher risk of both attempted and completed suicides. Researchers found that this common issue, such as head pain, could actually conceal a precursor to dangerously life-altering changes in our behavior, according to ScienceBlog.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Neurology, tracked 119,486 people with headache disorders and 597,430 individuals from the general population over a span of 25 years. The results indicated that those suffering from headaches were twice as likely to attempt suicide and had a 40% higher likelihood of dying by suicide compared to those without headaches.
The research indicated that over a 15-year period, 0.78% of individuals with headaches attempted suicide, in contrast to 0.33% of those without headaches. Furthermore, 0.21% of people with headaches died by suicide compared to 0.15% in the general population. The researchers noted a strong and persistent correlation between headache disorders and suicide risk, suggesting that patients with headaches could benefit from concurrent mental health evaluations.
While severe headaches, such as migraines and cluster headaches, have long been associated with mental disorders, the study demonstrated that even common headaches, often perceived as mild or moderate, are linked to an increased risk of suicide.
Led by Dr. Holly Elser from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, the study analyzed data from the Danish National Patient Registry from 1995 to 2020. This data encompassed hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and outpatient records, providing a comprehensive view of how headache disorders impact mental health.
The findings revealed that individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic headache and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia were at the highest suicide risk. The relationship between headaches and suicide risk was consistent across various ages, income levels, and educational backgrounds.
Notably, patients diagnosed with headaches in emergency or inpatient settings had a higher suicide risk compared to those diagnosed in outpatient settings. The study's results also indicate that healthcare providers should consider routine mental health screenings for patients with headaches using tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 or the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, the authors stated.
Headaches are one of the most prevalent health issues worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of 66.6%. They are a leading cause of reduced productivity, absenteeism, and short-term disability, especially among adults.
The exact mechanisms linking headaches to suicide risk remain unclear, but researchers propose several possible explanations, including the connection between headaches and mental disorders, the impact of chronic pain, and biological factors related to serotonin regulation and inflammatory responses.
Previous studies have also shown that individuals with chronic pain conditions, including migraines, are at an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. According to a report by the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with chronic pain being a major contributing factor.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, know that help is available. LifeLine Ukraine offers free confidential support to anyone in distress. You can be heard, supported, and helped. Call or text 7333.