Early Maladaptive Schemas in Patients with and without Migraine and Tension Headaches

There are some comorbidity between migraine, tension headaches, and some psychological factors including Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs). This research aimed to identify the EMSs associated with migraine and tension headaches.
The present study was of cross sectional and correlational studies. The measures included Headache Disability Inventory and Young Early Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire Short Form). The population of the study was Tehran adult patients with migraine and tension headache ged 18 to 55 years. The final study sample included 69 participants with migraine or tension eadaches and 86 non- clinical samples of both genders. After referring by psychiatrists, they were selected by onvenient and targeted sampling. The two groups were matched based on sex and education.
Migraine and tension headache sufferers and non-clinical participants were significantly
different in 9 schemas including Emotional deprivation, Abandonment/ instability, Mistrust/ abuse, Social
isolation/ alienation, Failure to achieve, Enmeshment / Undeveloped Self, Subjugation, Self-sacrifice and
Emotional inhibition. In addition, a series of EMSs could significantly predict 61 percent of the total change in position of tension headaches or migraine group correctly.
It seems that EMSs are important factors influencing migraine and tension headaches. The recognition and manipulation of these schemas along with other medical therapies can result in reducing the symptoms of the disorder.