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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2008; 06(02): 109-113
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557439
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Emotional and behavioral disorders in pediatric episodic tension headaches

Ann Pakalnis
a   Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
b   Section of Neurology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
,
Jessica Tischner
c   Section of Psychology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
,
Andrew Colvin
c   Section of Psychology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
,
Donna Kring
b   Section of Neurology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
› Author Affiliations
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Further Information

Publication History

31 August 2007

11 December 2007

Publication Date:
30 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Episodic tension type headaches are common in the pediatric population. Concurrent behavioral and emotional disorders could significantly impact treatment options and therapeutic response. Children and adolescents from our multi-disciplinary headache clinic with episodic tension type headaches (according to International Classification of Headache Disorders-II) criteria were evaluated prospectively for presence of concurrent psychologic disorders with standardized psychologic batteries and case controls were used for comparison. Parents frequently reported behavioral symptoms, but only oppositional defiant disorder was significantly represented with anxiety disorders also very common. Presence of concurrent psychiatric disorders did not influence headache treatment response.

Keywords

Pediatrics - headache - tension - behavior