Chronic migraine is a debilitating neurological condition that significantly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Depression, a common comorbidity in individuals with chronic migraine, correlates with increased intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. While increased social support has improved mental health and patient outcomes in other chronic pain conditions, its impact on chronic migraine outcomes remains unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between perceived social support, depression, and migraine-related disability in 209 adults with chronic migraine. Using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS), multiple regression analyses were conducted. Results showed that depression severity was a significant predictor of migraine disability, whereas social support was not. However, both social support and migraine disability were significant predictors of depression severity. The findings indicate that while social support may indirectly mitigate migraine disability by alleviating depressive symptoms, addressing depression directly appears to be more critical for managing migraine-related disability. This study highlights the complex interplay between social support, depression, and migraine disability. The results emphasise the need for integrated treatment approaches that prioritise the management of depression to improve migraine-related outcomes.
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