More is not Always Better: An Epidemiological Assessment of Migraine Frequency and the Impact on Relationships

Abstract

ObjectiveChronic pain negatively impacts spouse/partner relationships, with greater impact associated with higher pain severity and co-morbid mood disturbance. This study investigated the role of pain episode frequency in migraineurs on relationship effects.MethodsAn online survey was conducted, collecting information about migraine, psychological distress, and relationship impact using standardized measures. Adults previously diagnosed with migraine were invited to participate through postings on migraine community websites and social media. Impact was evaluated based on four migraine frequency categories (migraines/month): less than weekly (0-3), one to two episodes weekly (4-9 and 10-15), and more than twice weekly (>15).ResultsA total of 1,399 adult migraineurs were included. Spouse/partner relationships had been mildly-moderately damaged for 30% with 0-3 migraine monthly, increasing to 40% with >15 migraine monthly. Migraine had contributed to a break-up for 4% with 0-3 migraines monthly, increasing to 8% for those with >15 migraines monthly. About 57% of participants reported satisfaction with their current spouse/partner, with satisfaction unaffected by migraine frequency among those who were satisfied with their partners. Negative impact on relationships with children and close friends also increased with migraine frequency. Depression and anxiety were significantly correlated with migraine frequency (P<0.001) and modulated relationship impact.ConclusionAs migraine frequency increased, negative impact on relationships also increased. Interestingly, satisfaction with current spouse/partner was high for all migraine frequency categories. Clinically, this suggests that frequent migraineurs may benefit from a referral to couples counseling with a therapist that specializes in medically ill.

A Survey on Sensory Hypersensitivity Among University Students in Japan and China

“…Primarily, it occurs when facing the following occasions: "feel uncomfortable when polka dot pattern appears," "It is difficult to concentrate in a noisy environment," "extremely unacceptable towards some food of specific taste," "feel uncomfortable when smelling others' body odor," and "extremely concerned about the texture of cloth or underwear." Our data reflect similar problems as hypersensitive workers meet in the workspace [10], so similar accommodation in learning environments may assist them in studying more comfortably. Moreover, most students in both countries choose to avoid stimuli that may trigger hypersensitivity in the future, with more Japanese students preferring to bear the issue than Chinese students.…”

“…As mentioned in the Participants section, it was known that participants' gender was significantly different between the two countries. Previous studies on migraine claimed that migraine was more prevalent in women than in men, and migraine increased the incidence of sensory hypersensitivity [10]. Conversely, a study on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) revealed that higher ASD traits were found in men than women [24].…”

“…However, this issue has not been recognized by most researchers. Their discomfort and irritation are often misinterpreted as a sign of pickiness or laziness [10]. According to studies, hypersensitivity-friendly workplaces can be created if hypersensitive and non-hypersensitive workers can mutually understand and make low-cost accommodations, such as replacing fluorescent lights with LED lights [11,12].…”

Psychosocial Well-Being of Adults Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

“…Relationship satisfaction was categorized as satisfied for a mean Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) score 4 and not satisfied for a mean RAS score < 4. This cut-off has been used for other chronic health conditions 22,23 and is consistent with reported means of generally healthy married and unmarried adults. 24 Internal reliability was good in this study (Cronbach's α ¼ 0.89).…”

Impact On Interpersonal Relationships Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Partners

“…Relationship satisfaction was identified as satisfied for participants scoring RAS ≥4 and not satisfied for those with RAS <4. This cut-off has been previously used to identify relationship satisfaction [17]. The authors are not aware of previously reported studies applying the RAS to couples with a partner with MS.…”