by Nesreen Suwan, M.D. 

 

The relationship between psychiatric disorders and headaches was always an important topic for research. Anxiety and depression coexist with headaches, and vice versa. The brain's chemical changes that are involved in depression may predispose patients to headaches, while at the same time, years of chronic headaches will definitely increase the risk of depression.

 

Patients with anxiety disorders are more likely to have headaches, and headaches increase the risk of anxiety. Antidepressants and anxiety medications have long been used as preventative medications to control the severity and frequency of headaches. This is, in part, related to their effect on headaches independent from their effect on depression and anxiety.

 

When antidepressants and anxiety medications are used as preventative headache medications, doctors "start low and go slow." This approach may be combined with other modalities for headache treatment and prevention. As with any medical condition, a full and thorough neurological evaluation is always the first step in headache assessment.  Further imaging may be required if clinically warranted. The presence of anxiety and depression should not stop further headache evaluation.

 

 

Dr. Nesreen Suwan, is Loyola trained and American Board certified in Neurology and Pain Medicine, with extra certification in headache medicine and Botox treatment. Dr. Suwan specializes in treatment of headaches, migraines and fibromyalgia. She is the director of the Headache and Fibromyalgia Center in Suburban Lisle at 2867 Ogden Ave. Dr. Suwan is highly recognized as a headache specialist and she is a nationally known speaker in her field. For more information, please call 630-420-8080 or visit http://controlchicagopain.com.