Migraine, Osmophobia, and Anxiety

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the association between osmophobia and the characteristics of patients and their headaches, among migraine patients.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Patients who consecutively sought medical attendance in a primary care unit were asked about their headaches over the last 12 months. Those who had migraine were included. A semi-structured interview, the Headache Impact Test and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used.

Results: 147 patients had migraine; 78 had osmophobia; 60 had significant anxiety symptoms; and 78 had significant depression symptoms. The mean age of these patients was 43.2 years (± 13.7); 91.2% were women. The mean length of time with complaints of headache was 13.8 years (± 12). Among the migraine patients, those with anxiety, more years of headache history, and phonophobia presented significantly more osmophobia (multivariate logistic regression).

Conclusion: Osmophobia in migraine patients is associated with significant anxiety symptoms, length of headache history, and phonophobia.

Keywords: Affective Symptoms; Anxiety; Limbic System; Migraine Disorders; Odors; Osmophobia.