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01-10-2006 | Original Paper

Depression and Suicidal Ideation After Predictive Testing for Huntington's Disease: A Two-Year Follow-up Study

Authors: Maria U. Larsson, Mary A. Luszcz, The-Hung Bui, Tarja-Brita Robins Wahlin

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 5/2006

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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Title: Depression and Suicidal Ideation After Predictive Testing for Huntington's Disease: A Two-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Maria U. Larsson
Mary A. Luszcz
The-Hung Bui
Tarja-Brita Robins Wahlin
Publication date: 01-10-2006
Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 5/2006
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-006-9027-6

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Depression and Suicidal Ideation After Predictive Testing for Huntington's Disease: A Two-Year Follow-up Study

Abstract

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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