According to new research from Ohio University, almost half of chronic tension headache sufferers also suffer from anxiety and depression. In this study, 245 chronic headache sufferers completed questionnaires which assessed their psychological status. Surprisingly, 45% admitted to feeling anxious, depressed or hopeless on almost a daily basis. Researchers were unable to determine whether the psychological problems actually preceded the onset of the headaches.

According to researcher Lipchik, “A lot of people have a difficult time separating ‘their headaches from their anxiety and depression’ and many of the people don’t acknowledge that they have psychological problems or problems managing stress. It’s easier for them to discuss it as a consequence of their headaches.”

1. Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Headache. San Francisco, California. 1998.