EHMTI-0012. Comorbid disorders and the quality of life in children and adolescents with primary headache

Abstract

Aims and methods In order to assess comorbid disorders, their impact on the course of headaches, and quality of life (QL) were examined using questionnaires and neuropsychological methods 279 children and adolescents with tension-type headache, 164 with migraine and 60 healthy controls. Parents signed informed consent for their children’s survey. Results The spectrum and severity of comorbid psychosomatic disorders (anxiety, depression, autonomic dysfunction, fatigue, insomnia, cognitive dysfunction) depend on the frequency of headache. In patients with chronic headache, especially teenagers, have expressed anxiety, autonomic disorders, mild depression, insomnia, asthenia, and cognitive disorders, often associated with each other. Dissatisfaction with current life situation noted 95,5% of the patients with chronic headache, increased anxiety and depression - 90,9%, reduction in daily activity - 63,3%, reduction of self-control - 54,5%, a reduction of social contacts – 36,4%, worsening of the relation with parents 31,8%. Quality of life due to the mutual influence of many medical and social factors: the frequency and intensity of headache, severity of emotional disturbances, personality characteristics, family microclimate, level of social adaptation.