Migraine and Tension-type headache in Indian adolescents: Psychosocial causes and its Psychosocial Correlates

The present study aimed to explore the psychosocial causes of migraine and tension-type headache in Indian adolescents and its impact on their daily living. Data on headache was gathered from 10 participants by in-depth interviews about headache history, headache impact test (HIT) and the maintenance of headache diary. YouthSelf Report was used to assess behavioural and emotional problems by measuring the intensity and frequency of externalizing, internalizing, social, thought, and attention problems. It was found that stress is one of the major triggering factors of migraine and tension-type headache. Headache diary showed that more stress occurs prior ta headache. Other causes were found to be peer and parental pressure; performance, social and stage anxiety; conflicts with peers, parents and in romantic relationships; and stressful family environment. Headache was found to lead to impairment in physical wellbeing (somatic complaints), psychological well-being (anxiety, depression, and emotional inhibition), daily functioning (school absence and social dysfunction), and the global evaluation of health and of happiness. Thus it's important to come up with an intervention module that will address its causes and bring about an improvement. Transdiagnostic Cognitive behavior therapy is a field new to Indian therapeutic context. However, looking at its advantages, it's beneficial to bring about these changes in the existing therapeutic module.