Primary headache in developmental age: A case-control study on the role of temperamental sensitivity,attachment dimensions,psychopathological symptoms,and relations with parents

Abstract

Headaches are among the most common and disabling neurological conditions in children and adolescents. This study explores temperamental, relational, and psychological differences between preadolescents/adolescents with a headache diagnosis and controls. The sample included 83 headache patients (51 females; mean age = 13.00, SD = 2.52) and 279 controls (145 females; mean age = 12.65, SD = 1.36). Participants completed psychological assessments, while mothers provided additional relational data. U Mann-Whitney tests showed significant group differences in all variables except secure attachment and maternal closeness. Logistic regression indicated that higher environmental sensitivity and somatic complaints increased the likelihood of headache diagnosis. Findings suggest that dysfunctional attachment patterns, conflict, and somatic symptoms may serve as maladaptive strategies to fulfill attachment needs in this clinical population. Understanding these factors could improve psychological interventions for pediatric headache sufferers.