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Effect of Galcanezumab on PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in Patients with Migraine: A Real-world Study in Japan

Oshima K, Hattori Y, Ihara K, Watanabe N, Takemura R, Ishizuchi K, Takahashi N, Sekiguchi K et al.

Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan), 2026

27 participants

Abstract

Objective Patients with migraine are at increased risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression and anxiety. Recently, anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs) have been suggested to be effective not only for migraine but also for comorbid depression. However, their effectiveness in depression and anxiety remains inconclusive, particularly in Asian populations. This study evaluated the effect of galcanezumab on depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with migraine. Methods We conducted a single-center, retrospective, real-world study of 27 Japanese patients with migraine who received galcanezumab at Keio University Hospital, using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores at two time points (baseline and 3-5 months after initiating galcanezumab) to evaluate depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results During galcanezumab treatment, the mean monthly migraine days (MMD) significantly decreased from 13.6±8.2 to 8.5±9.3 (p<0.001). PHQ-9 scores significantly decreased from 5.8±4.4 to 4.5±4.2 (p=0.010) and GAD-7 scores from 4.0±3.9 to 3.1±3.5 (p=0.030). No significant correlation was observed between changes in PHQ-9/GAD-7 scores and changes in MMD, numerical rating scale scores, or associated symptoms. Furthermore, Fisher's exact tests showed no significant association between improvements in PHQ-9/GAD-7 scores and MMD reduction. Conclusion Galcanezumab improved PHQ-9 and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 27 participants or records.

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