Migraine patients experience poorer subjective well-being/quality of life even between attacks.

The aim of the present study was to compare the general well-being of migraine patients between attacks with that of an age- and sex-matched control group. One hundred and forty-five consecutive and eligible patients at the Gothenburg Migraine Clinic were asked about their well-being and their complaints. Using three self-administered standardized questionnaires, the Minor Symptoms Evaluation Profile (MSEP), Subjective Symptoms Assessment Profile (SSAP) and the Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) Index, evaluable responses were obtained from 138 migraine patients. Compared with control subjects, migraineurs perceived more symptoms and greater emotional distress as well as disturbed contentment, vitality and sleep. It is concluded that the general well-being of the migraine patient is impaired, even between the attacks.