Depression and Suicidal Ideation After Predictive Testing for Huntington's Disease: A Two-Year Follow-up Study |
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Authors: | Maria U. Larsson Mary A. Luszcz The-Hung Bui Tarja-Brita Robins Wahlin |
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Affiliation: | Neurotec Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Mia.Larsson@ki.se |
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Abstract: | The present study reports a two-year follow-up of psychological effects of predictive testing for Huntington's disease. Questionnaires assessing depression, general health, well-being, self injurious behavior, life satisfaction, and lifestyle were completed by 35 carriers and 58 non-carriers before the predictive test, and 2, 6, 12, and 24 months afterwards. Both carriers and non-carriers showed high suicidal ideation before the predictive testing. Depression scores and frequency of suicidal thoughts increased for carriers, compared to non-carriers, over time. There were no differences regarding life satisfaction or life style between carriers and non-carriers. Predictive testing was beneficial in reducing overall ill-health symptoms and increasing well-being for those initially expressing concern about Huntington's disease. The importance of assessing suicidal ideation and of continuing to provide adequate support is emphasized. |
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Keywords: | Huntington's disease presymptomatic psychosocial longitudinal predictive testing |
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