Depression and stages of Huntington's disease.
Individuals with manifest Huntington's disease (HD) were interviewed with regard to the presence, frequency, and severity of depression symptoms to better characterize depressed mood across the disease course in HD. Rates of depression were more than twice that found in the general population. One-half reported that they had sought treatment for depression, and more than 10% reported having at least one suicide attempt. The proportion of HD patients endorsing significant depression diminished with disease progression. Despite the public health impact of depression, available treatments are underutilized in HD, and research is needed to document the efficacy and effectiveness of standard depression treatments in this population.
Paulsen
Jane S
JS
University of Iowa, 1-305 Medical Education Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. jane-paulsen@uiowa.edu
Nehl
Carissa
C
Hoth
Karin Ferneyhough
KF
Kanz
Jason E
JE
Benjamin
Michelle
M
Conybeare
Rachel
R
McDowell
Bradley
B
Turner
Beth
B
D000328:Adult; D003710:Demography; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data