New research conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston suggests that adults who experienced childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or household-related issues, may be more susceptible to developing headaches.
In this extensive study involving over 154,000 individuals across 19 countries, approximately 48,000 participants reported experiencing childhood traumatic events, and nearly 25,000 were diagnosed with primary headaches.
Key findings from the study included:
- Higher Risk for Those with Childhood Trauma: The research revealed that 26% of individuals who had undergone childhood trauma experienced primary headache disorders, in contrast to 12% of those who had not experienced such traumas.
- Increased Likelihood with More Traumatic Events: The study found a direct correlation between the number of traumatic events in childhood and the likelihood of developing headaches. Those who had experienced a single traumatic event had a 24% higher risk, while individuals with four or more traumatic events were over twice as likely to develop headache disorders.
- Two Categories of Traumas: Traumas were categorized into “threat traumas” and “deprivation traumas.” “Threat traumas” included physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, witnessing threats of violence, and serious family conflicts, with a 46% increased risk of headaches. “Deprivation traumas” encompassed neglect, economic hardships, having an incarcerated household member, divorce or separation, parental death, and living with mental illness, chronic disability, or substance abuse in the family, with a 35% increased risk.
- Specific Associations: Physical and sexual abuse were associated with a 60% increased risk of headaches, while childhood neglect was linked to an almost threefold increased risk of headache disorders.
It’s important to note that this study reveals an association between past trauma and future headaches, rather than establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Further research may be necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms that connect childhood trauma to an increased susceptibility to headaches.
