Severe headache and vacation.

Of a randomized nationwide adult population sample of 2,073 people, 1,590 (76.7%) were interviewed on their vacation expectations and their determinants using a prestructured questionnaire of 200 questions. Migraine or other severe headache occurred in 14.0% of people 15 to 74 years of age (in 19.7% of women and 8.0% of men). Compared with people without headache, headache sufferers were characterized by less interest in paid or unpaid vacation, more passive ways of spending vacation, more fear and anxiety for their health and human relations, uncertainty of the world situation, fear of global catastrophes and disturbances of work routine and increased family discord during vacation. Headache sufferers were apparently hard-working and conscientious people with a stressed, depressive and resigned character and unable to feel care-free and to relax on vacation.