The GRIM2005 study of migraine consultation in France. III: Psychological features of subjects with migraine

The objective of this analysis was to describe psychological and cognitive variables in subjects with migraine and to identify those associated with chronicity. Data were collected from 10 000 subjects during face-to-face interview. Subjects with episodic migraine (n = 1127) or chronic daily headache (n = 407) with migrainous features were identified using an algorithm based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn classification. Data on headache impact was obtained with the Headache Impact Test-6, on psychological distress with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, on coping with the Coping Strategy Questionnaire catastrophizing score and the Brief COPE inventory, on illness perception with the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and on locus of control. Psychological variables associated with chronicity include perceived headache impact, psychological distress, the use of catastrophizing and avoidance coping strategies and an externalized locus of control. In conclusion, maladaptive coping strategies should be taken into account in the management of patients with migraine. Longitudinal studies will be necessary to address the causality of the relationship observed.