Obsessions and compulsions in three kinds of headache sufferers: Analysis of the maudsley questionnaire
Abstract
It has long been believed, especially by psychodynamic theoreticians, that characterological personality characteristics of headache sufferers have contributed to the genesis of the disorder. The most frequently used descriptor of the migraineous personality is that of obsessiveness, compulsivity and rigidity. Unfortunately, there has been no empirical research on this factor, merely unsystematic clinical impressions. The present study assessed the relationship between obsessions and compulsions in three kinds of headache sufferers and non-headache controls, using a well-designed and validated scale. Results indicated few differences between the groups. Unlike our previous research, the concept of a 'pain density' function was not supported. These data, on the whole, seem to support the preponderance of data in the area of headache and other dimensions of personality: there is no clearly differentiated migraine or headache personality. © 1986.
Publication Title
Behaviour Research and Therapy
Recommended Citation
Arena, J., Blanchard, E., Andrasik, F., & Applebaum, K. (1986). Obsessions and compulsions in three kinds of headache sufferers: Analysis of the maudsley questionnaire. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 24 (2), 127-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(86)90083-5
