CHICAGO, Ill. - A recent online survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation (NHF) further confirms the connection between headaches and depression.

The survey found that 42 percent of respondents believe their headaches and depression are linked and 53 percent believe that their headaches came before the developed depression. The correlation between headache and depression has been documented extensively; however, researchers have yet to find evidence as to how these conditions are related.

According to the survey, 80 percent of respondents indicated they suffer from symptoms of depression but only 52 percent have been diagnosed by their healthcare provider with the condition.

"These statistics are similar to my own research in that the incidence of migraine and depression may be twice as high as previously believed," said Gary E. Ruoff, MD, Westside Family Medical Center, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Nearly half of respondents reported never receiving medical treatment for depression, despite the great impact depression can have on migraineurs. The survey showed that 71 percent of respondents feel more depressed when suffering from a headache and 92 percent would consider life happier if they no longer suffered from headaches. Experts say that this unhappiness can be avoided.

"The identification and treatment of depression during its earliest stages may slow the progression of both migraine and depression into higher levels of severity, and may make both easier to treat," said Dr. Ruoff.

The most common symptoms of depression were cited as energy loss (79 percent), difficulty sleeping or oversleeping (75 percent), loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable (68 percent), sad mood and difficulty in concentrating (67 percent).

Consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation for migraine and depression. Treat depression at its earliest stage to avoid progression which makes treatment more effective and work with your healthcare provider to find a treatment plan that addresses both conditions.

You can slo practice nonmedicated treatments including bio-feedback, relaxation techniques and exercise, among others.

Visit the National Headache Foundation web site at www.headaches.org for more information and helpful tips.

Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, which are most commonly experienced between the ages of 15 and 55. Seventy to 80 percent of sufferers have a family history of migraine. Seventy percent of migraine sufferers are women. Less than half of all migraine sufferers have received a diagnosis of migraine from their healthcare professional. Migraine is often misdiagnosed as sinus or tension-type headache.