AHS 2022 | Future research goals in adressing stigma in headache disorders

Elizabeth Seng, PhD, FAHS, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, discusses future research goals in addressing stigma in migraine. There are currently a variety of existing behavioral interventions that can be adapted to address the issue – yet stigma in migraine has been embedded into today’s culture, insinuating the need for further action. Helping individuals who suffer from migraines to build resilience, express greater self-advocacy, and aid with social interventions are key areas of study in Dr Seng’s lab. However, the broader goal is to shift current views of the general population towards a more accepting attitude. Intervention in occupational and educational settings is necessary to address the source of cultural stigma in migraine. However, it is also crucial for individuals who suffer from migraines to utilize current legal protections, like the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to ensure a non-prejudiced environment. This interview took place during the 2022 American Headache Society (AHS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Denver, CO.