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Current Pain and Headache Reports
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 11/2021

01-11-2021 | Migraine | Psychological and Behavioral Aspects of Headache and Pain (D Buse, Section Editor)

Stigma and Migraine: Developing Effective Interventions

Authors: Simy K. Parikh, Joanna Kempner, William B. Young

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 11/2021

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Migraine and other primary headache disorders do not receive adequate research funding, medical resources, or other forms of structural support relative to their prevalence and the disability they cause. In recent research, scholars have argued that stigma associated with headache disorders explains some of this discrepancy.
This review will discuss (1) the factors contributing to stigma toward migraine and other primary headache disorders, (2) how structural and enacted stigma may perpetuate individual disability, (3) the impact of internalized stigma, and (4) interventions to mitigate stigma toward headache disorders with an emphasis on outcome monitoring. The review will also propose new areas of stigma research in need of further investigation.

Recent Findings

Recent research shows that discrimination can exacerbate chronic pain.

Summary

Stigma profoundly affects everything from the allocation of federal research funds and healthcare resources to individual patients’ self-efficacy and ability to care for themselves. Understanding the stigma of migraine and learning how to develop effective interventions to mitigate this stigma will increase access to appropriate migraine care, improve healthcare providers’ ability to care for their migraine patients, and help advocates reverse policies that discriminate against those with migraine. It is important to closely monitor outcomes of anti-stigma efforts for both positive and negative consequences and take note of outcomes and “lessons learned” from anti-stigma campaigns for other diseases.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Stigma and Migraine: Developing Effective Interventions
Authors
Simy K. Parikh
Joanna Kempner
William B. Young
Publication date
01-11-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Keywords
Migraine
Headache
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 11/2021
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-021-00982-z

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