MMPI Profile of Individuals with Migraine

Abstract

Introduction : Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily perceptions, severe headaches, and nausea, more common to women than to men. Various psychiatric disorders like panic disorder and depression have been associated with migraine, leading to further disability of migraine sufferers in all aspects of their daily lives. The aim of study was to assess the personality pattern of individuals with migraine as compared to normal. Method : Individuals, both normal controls and migraine sufferers were assessed on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). Result : Elevations were found in the scales on hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychasthenia and schizophrenia. Females were more to have reported headaches. Individuals with migraine showed lower level of education along with positive family history. Conclusion : Migraine sufferers display a conversion profile with depression being common. Although some psychotic scales may be elevated but they do not qualify for an independent identity.

Keywords : Migraine, psychopathology, conversion profile, psychotic scales, MMPI-2.