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ADHD is associated with migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

An association between primary headaches and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been suggested. Moreover, headache is regarded as a common side effect of stimulants, the most effective treatment for ADHD. So far, no systematic review has evaluated the potential association between ADHD and headache. We performed a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of all reported studies on ADHD and primary headaches. Our analysis showed a positive association between ADHD and migraine (OR 1.322, 95% CI 1.018–1717, p value 0.036), but not with tension-type headache. There is a significant association between migraine and ADHD. The mechanisms underlying this association remain to be elucidated, warranting further studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Haitham Salem, Fei Cao & Antonio L. Teixeira

  2. Pediatric Mood Disorders/ADHD Across Lifespan Programs, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1941 East Road, Suite 3128, Houston, TX, 77054, USA

    David Vivas, Iram F. Kazimi & Cristian P. Zeni

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  1. Haitham Salem
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Correspondence to Cristian P. Zeni.

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Salem, H., Vivas, D., Cao, F. et al. ADHD is associated with migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 27, 267–277 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-017-1045-4

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