The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on headache-related disability among young adults with migraine

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and headache-related disability among a sample of young adults with migraine. BackgroundComorbid psychological symptoms compound migraine-related disability. Due to COVID-19 pandemic procedures, many students experienced institutional closures and corresponding increases in depression, stress, and anxiety. The present study sought to examine changes in headache-related disability before (Spring and Fall of 2019) and during (Fall of 2020 and Spring 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic and whether psychological symptoms mediated such changes. MethodsA cross-sectional study at a southern U.S. university assessed 365 individuals with migraine on headache and psychological variables, comparing those surveyed before COVID-19 with another group surveyed during the pandemic. The direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 status (pre- versus during COVID-19) on headache-related disability through depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were assessed. ResultsStatistically higher levels of depression, (M = 13.9 [SD = 12.2] vs. M = 8.7 [SD = 8.7], p < 0.001), anxiety (12.3 [10.0] vs. 9.7 [8.2], p = 0.01), and stress symptoms (17.6 [10.2] vs. 13.2 [7.9], p < 0.001) were endorsed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The direct path from COVID-19 status to headache-related disability was significant and negative, c ' = -1.6 (95% CI: -3.1, -0.1). Anxiety (b = 0.3 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.9]) and depression (b = 0.7 [95% CI: 0.07, 1.4]) symptoms acted as mediators of this relationship, rendering the total effect nonsignificant and negating the lowered disability observed during the pandemic. Only depression symptoms remained a significant mediator after controlling for headache frequency (b = 0.7 [95% CI: 0.09, 1.4]). ConclusionsIncreased depression and anxiety symptoms attenuated the improvements in disability associated with the pandemic. As such, interventions that address comorbid psychological symptoms may hold value in reducing headache-related disability and improving outcomes for young adults whose headache developed or worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.