Unraveling the connections between migraine and psychiatric comorbidities: A narrative review.

This review looks at how migraines and mental health conditions often occur together, especially in autistic children and those with ADHD. Research shows these conditions share similar biological causes and can make each other worse. Diagnosing migraines in autistic children can be difficult because they may have trouble communicating their symptoms. The review suggests doctors need to consider both migraines and mental health together when treating patients.

This narrative review examines the well-documented associations between migraine and psychiatric conditions, particularly in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD populations. The review highlights bidirectional relationships between migraine and mood disorders (depression, anxiety), with emerging evidence for connections to bipolar disorder, ASD, and ADHD. Shared pathophysiological mechanisms include genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal influences, and environmental factors. The authors emphasize diagnostic challenges in ASD and ADHD populations due to overlapping symptoms and communication barriers.

The review advocates for integrated clinical approaches addressing both migraine and psychiatric comorbidities, noting that psychiatric medications may influence migraine symptoms and require careful management.

Clinicians should adopt integrated approaches addressing both migraine and psychiatric comorbidities. Special attention needed for diagnostic challenges in ASD/ADHD populations. Psychiatric medication effects on migraine require careful monitoring. Comprehensive assessment protocols should consider communication barriers in neurodivergent individuals.

As a narrative review, this study does not provide systematic analysis of evidence quality or quantitative synthesis of findings. The review nature limits ability to establish causation or provide specific prevalence estimates for migraine-psychiatric comorbidities.

The close association between migraine and psychiatric comorbidities is well documented. Migraine frequently co-occurs with mood disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, exhibiting a bidirectional relationship across various populations, including children and adolescents. Emerging research has also highlighted significant associations between migraine and bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Shared pathophysiological mechanisms, including genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal influences, and environmental factors, contribute to these comorbidities.

Diagnosing migraine in individuals with ASD and ADHD presents unique challenges due to overlapping symptoms and communication barriers. Furthermore, psychiatric medications may influence migraine symptoms, necessitating careful management. This review explores the relationship between migraine and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing shared mechanisms, diagnostic considerations, and treatment strategies to optimize patient care. This review highlights the necessity for integrated clinical approaches that address both migraine and psychiatric comorbidities, ultimately improving health outcomes for affected individuals.