Suicidality and Its Risk Factors in Tension-Type Headache Patients: A Multicenter Case-Control Study

Abstract

This study evaluated suicidality and its risk factors in patients with tension-type headache (TTH). We recruited new patients with TTH who visited general hospitals. We recorded their clinical characteristics and conducted the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) for assessment. We also interviewed the patients to identify major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and suicidality with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview—Plus Version 5.0.0 (MINI). The frequency of suicidality was compared between TTH patients and healthy controls. Major risk factors for suicidality were also determined. A total of 332 TTH patients with the same number of healthy controls were recruited from five general hospitals. Suicidality was observed in 82 (24.7%) TTH patients. The frequency of suicidality was significantly higher in patients with TTH than in the controls. Furthermore, the frequency of suicidality was higher in patients with chronic TTH (CTTH) than in the controls. The major risk factors for suicidality were MDD, GAD, a low education level, insomnia, chronicity of TTH, and pericranial tenderness. Suicidal ideation or attempt seems to be a common feature in TTH. Therefore, it is important to identify risk factors related to suicidality in TTH patients, which may help reduce suicidality.