Psychological and Behavioral Characteristics of Patients with Medication-Overuse Headache

Study Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of patients with medication-overuse headache (MOH) for their further treatment.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Materials and Methods. Within 12 months, 120 patients (12 men and 108 women, mean age of men — 46.3 ± 3.54 years, of women — 41.3 ± 9.5 years) with primary headache and MOH were followed up. Participants were divided into two groups depending on the diagnosis: group I (n = 44) — patients with chronic forms of primary headache without MOH, group II (n = 76) — patients with chronic forms of primary headache and MOH. The patients filled out special questionnaires for their characterization.

Study Results. The study compared groups according to the frequency of taking various types of analgesic drugs. Patients with MOH took pain medications: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — 15 (19.7%), triptans — 38 (50%), combined drugs — 23 (30.3%); 46 patients chose analgesic drug/s based on the speed of effect, and the preferred characteristics of the drugs were the availability (n = 25) and complete relieve pain (n = 19). The most of participants chose pain medications based on a doctor's recommendation; 44 (57.9%) of MOH patients tried to cancel them on their own, but failed. In people with MOH, the most common behavioral strategies were: taking painkillers to prevent headaches due to fear of pain (34.2%); refusal to discontinue the drug due to fear of increased pain even in the presence of side effects (22.4%); frequent practice of escalating the amount and dose of symptomatic agents in conditions of catastrophic pain (21.1%). The characteristics of our patients and their emotional and behavioral features showed that a more detailed study of these characteristics and features is necessary to develop a further treatment plan.

Conclusion. When treating patients with MOH show that a complex approach to a comprehensive analysis of the state of physical and emotional health is needed. The characteristics of our patients once again prove the importance of a dialogue between a doctor and a patient to improve the effectiveness of treatment. A significant role in preventive methods implemented through educational programs are important for improving the quality of their lives.

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