Gender differences in chronic headache in a treatment-seeking population.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate gender differences in headache description, frequency, disability, and psychological distress in a treatment-seeking population.


METHODS
Consecutive treatment-seeking headache patients were questioned about headache characteristics and comorbid psychological distress.


METHODS
37 males and 90 females seeking treatment at a university headache clinic.


METHODS
Subjects were evaluated by a neurologist and assigned headache diagnoses according to International Headache Society criteria. Subjects also completed several psychological self-report measures. Gender comparisons were made for both headache characteristics and psychological measures using the Student t test and chi-square test.


RESULTS
Headache characteristics and comorbid psychological symptoms were similar in men and women. Men were more likely than women to report headache-related disability. Headache triggers were similar in men and women, although exercise was reported as a more frequent trigger in men, and women were more likely to identify foods as usual headache triggers. Men and women reported similar responsivity to treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment recommendations for chronic headache should be similar for men and women. However, evaluation of disability and exercise as headache triggers should be actively sought in male patients, while women should be educated about dietary adjustments and avoidance of eating irregularities.
Departments of Anesthesiology and Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Marcus
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome