High suicidal ideation in persons testing for Huntington's disease

• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2000.102003150.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T02:24:53Z
• Authors: T-B. Robins Wahlin; L. Bäckman; A. Lundin; A. Haegermark; B. Winblad; M. Anvret
• Keywords: Ideation

This study examined the first participants who registered for Huntington's disease predictive testing program 1990–1995 in Stockholm, Sweden. A psychosocial investigation was performed to evaluate potential effects of presymptomatic testing. The results showed no significant differences between 13 genecarriers and 21 noncarriers pretest attitudes, expectations, general well-being, life satisfaction lifestyle, need support, estimated sense well-being or degree health. However, both groups high suicidal ideation self-injurious behavior. Noncarriers had a very frequency attempted suicide, similarly pronounced psychiatric dysfunction. Their relatives also frequencies diseases, suicide attempts. Most desire meet psychologist social worker. counseling, using well designed protocol, importance focusing on risk programs is emphasized.