Friendships and Social Interactions of School-Aged Children With Migraine

Abstract

We set out to evaluate the friendships and social behaviour of school-aged children with migraine. Concern exists regarding the impact of paediatric migraine on daily activities and quality of life. We hypothesized that children with migraine would have fewer friends and be identified as more socially sensitive and isolated than comparison peers. Sixty-nine children with migraine participated in a school-based study of social functioning. A comparison sample without migraine included classmates matched for gender, race and age. Children with migraine had fewer friends at school; however, this effect was limited to those in elementary school. Behavioural difficulties were not found. Middle-school students with migraine were identified by peers as displaying higher levels of leadership and popularity than comparison peers. Concern may be warranted about the social functioning of pre-adolescent children with migraine; however, older children with migraine may function as well as or better than their peers.

Migraine, Tension-Type Headache, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Childhood: A Population-Based Study

“…36 In children, the burden may be manifested by impacting school performance 37,38 and affecting family and interpersonal relationships, 6 although results on the topic are conflicting. 11 Limited evidence suggests that pediatric headaches impact school performance and learning. 19,25 Nonetheless, the topic requires further elucidation because evidence mostly comes from small case series.…”

Multiple Perspectives on the Psychological Functioning of Children With and Without Migraine

“…Our first phase of data collection involved work with the child's school to obtain data regarding peer relationships. 21 Data regarding emotional and behavioral functioning were obtained from children and their parents during home visits scheduled after data collection at the school was completed. Parental consent for the original school data collection was obtained using forms distributed by classroom teachers, and written parental consent was obtained for 90% of available classmates.…”

“…Parents of eligible children were informed of the study and invited to participate following their initial consult with the headache center. Our first phase of data collection involved work with the child's school to obtain data regarding peer relationships 21 . Data regarding emotional and behavioral functioning were obtained from children and their parents during home visits scheduled after data collection at the school was completed.…”

Migraine and migraine subtypes in preadolescent children

“…17 Evidence, however, suggests that the impact of migraine in school may be different in adolescents and in preadolescents. 18 The impact of headaches on school performance may also be influenced by demographics, family income, and comorbidities as well as by frequency, severity, and migraine clinical features. 16 Adjusting for these potential confounders requires highquality and detailed information from a large sample.…”