Remainers saw their 'mental distress' levels rocket after the 2016 Brexit referendum to the point where it was the same as suffering a chronic migraine, researchers have found.

Analysis by scientists of data from almost 40,000 people found that pro-EU voters saw a fall in their 'wellbeing' after the 2016 vote to the take the UK out of the EU.

In contrast Leave voters became more happy with their lives in the aftermath of the momentous decision three years ago, according to a team from four universities.

Before the referendum, the scientists found, there was little difference in life satisfaction and mental distress levels between Leave and Remain voters.

But the research by Warwick Business School, City University London, Paris School of Economics and the London School of Economics, also found that reporting low life satisfaction a year ahead of the vote strongly predicted that people would go on to vote for Brexit.

Warwick's Nick Powdthavee said: 'There was an immediate worsening for those who preferred to remain in the EU post-Referendum in terms of mental stress.

Analysis by scientists of data from almost 40,000 people found that pro-EU voters saw a fall in their 'wellbeing' after the vote to the take the UK out of the EU

In contrast Leave voters became more happy with their lives in the aftermath of the momentous decision three years ago, according to a team from four universities

'Plus, the heightening of Remainers' average mental stress appears to be long-lasting and increases over time.

'The increase in mental distress associated with Brexit is roughly similar in magnitude as the negative effect of having a chronic migraine.

'Also, we were able to see that it was mainly men and the over-40s who preferred to leave the EU who derived the most satisfaction from the Brexit vote.

'While we also found that women and the over-40s who preferred to remain in the EU reported a significant increase in the usual level of mental stress following the EU referendum.

'It is also worth noting that significantly fewer respondents reported to have no preference after the referendum, which may reveal that admitting pro-Brexit preferences was more socially acceptable after the vote.'

The team analysed the data of 38,000 people from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) taken before and after the referendum, including their voting decision.

Warwick's Nick Powdthavee said: 'There was an immediate worsening for those who preferred to remain in the EU post-Referendum in terms of mental stress'

It saw 51.9 per cent back Remain, with 39.4 per cent favouring Leave, with 4.3 per cent selecting 'Don't know' and 4.4 per cent declining to answer.

This is in contrast to the official referendum result with was 52-48 per cent in favour of Leave.

The research also found that married, divorced or co-habiting people were more likely to back Leave that singletons, as were pensioners, men in general, the sick and the less well educated.

Dr Powdthavee added: 'Despite huge disappointment on the side of Remainers and elation on the side of Leavers, it is likely that the Brexit vote itself, in the end, will not permanently affect life satisfaction as this really captures individuals' evaluations of many different domains in their lives such as their health, family, and financial situation - many of which have not yet been affected by the referendum result.

'However, with the date for EU withdrawal approaching fast, life satisfaction and mental distress may soon be affected by the real economic and social consequences that it will bring about.'