ALPIMS • UNDERSTANDING CONNECTIONS
Migraine
& Anxiety
They often occur together. Each can make living with the other harder.
Both deserve care.
Having anxiety does not mean migraine pain is imagined.
One section at a time.
Tap to open. Read only what feels useful today.
What is generalised anxiety disorder? Recognise the signs
Feeling anxious sometimes is normal.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) involves worry that is difficult to control, happens on most days for at least six months, and affects daily life.
You may notice:
- Worry that keeps returning.
- Feeling tense, restless or on edge.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Poor sleep or tiredness.
You can ask for support before six months have passed.
These symptoms can have other causes too. A health professional can help assess the whole picture.
How are migraine and anxiety connected? The link can work both ways
The relationship can work in both directions.
- Anxiety may increase the likelihood of migraine.
- Migraine pain, uncertainty and disruption may increase anxiety.
Anxiety is associated with more frequent migraine and greater difficulty managing daily life.
This does not mean anxiety is the only cause of migraine.
Why might they overlap? Possible shared influences
Researchers are exploring shared influences, including:
- Genetics and brain signalling.
- Stress-response systems.
- Hormonal changes.
- Trauma and ongoing stress.
There is no single explanation for everyone.
What may help? Support for both conditions
A care plan can address both migraine and anxiety.
- Migraine treatment and prevention.
- Psychological support, such as CBT or ACT.
- Biofeedback or mindfulness, if suitable.
- Medication chosen for your needs and tolerability.
Treating anxiety may help some people manage migraine. Migraine may still need its own treatment.
One medicine does not always adequately treat both conditions.
Start small: choose one support that feels manageable. Support should fit your capacity and sensory needs.
A note about headache medicines When to review your treatment
Frequent use of some medicines taken during attacks can contribute to medication-overuse headache.
A clinician may assess this when headaches occur on 15 or more days a month, alongside frequent use of certain medicines for more than three months.
The medication-use threshold depends on the medicine:
- Paracetamol or NSAIDs: generally 15 or more days a month.
- Triptans, opioids or certain combination painkillers: generally 10 or more days a month.
These are assessment thresholds, not a diagnosis or personal safe-use limit.
Ask your clinician or pharmacist to help review your treatment plan. Do not abruptly stop prescribed medicines without advice.
Who can help? Start with your GP
Your GP can help coordinate care.
- A neurologist or headache specialist can help with migraine.
- A psychologist can help with anxiety.
- A psychiatrist may help when needed.
You could ask:
“Could we review both my migraine and anxiety,
including how often I need attack medicines?”
How does this fit with ALPIMS? Look at the whole picture
This connection sits across the Anxiety & Autonomic, Pain & Bodily Sensitivity, and Mood & Mental Health domains.
Looking at the whole picture may help identify support that fits your needs.
Some supports may help more than one part of the picture.
Explore my patterns ↗References & further reading Sources behind this page
Adapted and simplified from the supplied Association of Migraine Disorders article about migraine and anxiety. Additional sources support the updated wording.