Changes of intertemporal choice in migraine sufferers

Abstract

Objective To investigate whether there are changes in the ability of intertemporal choices in migraine sufferers. Method Thirty migraine sufferers and thirty healthy controls were investigated by Delay-discount Test. Results (1)The ratio of later-large (LL) choice in migraine suffers((18.15±17.53)%) was significantly lower than that in the healthy controls((35.37±20.70)%), and the difference was statistically significant(t=3.31, P<0.05). Under the immediate option for now selection conditions and no immediate option for not-now selection conditions, the ratio of later-large (LL) choice in migraine suffers((18.33±21.00)% , (17.96±18.09)%) was also significantly lower than that in the healthy controls((35.56±21.52)%, (35.19±22.05)%), and the difference was statistically significant(t=3.31, P<0.05; t=3.14, P<0.05). (2) Pearson correlation analysis showed that the Stroop Test of migraineurs was positively correlated with LL selection ratio under now conditions (r=0.49, P=0.006) and total LL selection (r=0.42, P=0.021) . Conclusion The ability of intertemporal choices in migraine sufferers has been impaired, which is correlated with executive function. Key words: Migraine; Intertemporal-choice; Self-control; Decision-making