Stress in Huntington's Disease: Characteristics and Correlates in Patients and At-Risk Individuals.
J Huntingtons Dis
; 13(2): 215-224, 2024.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38578897
ABSTRACT
Background:
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that presents families with significant numbers of stressful events. However, relatively little empirical research has characterized the stressors encountered by members of HD-affected families and their correlations with psychological symptoms.Objective:
This study examined frequencies of specific stressors in HD patients and at-risk individuals and the correlates of these stressors with demographics, disease characteristics, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.Methods:
HD patients (nâ=â57) and at-risk individuals (nâ=â81) completed the Responses to Stress Questionnaire -Huntington's Disease Version to assess HD-related stressors. Participants completed measures of depression and anxiety symptoms. Patient health records were accessed to obtain information related to disease characteristics.Results:
Patients endorsed a mean number of 5.05 stressors (SDâ=â2.74) out of the 10-item list. Demographics were not related to total stressors, but disease characteristics were significantly related to specific stressors. At-risk individuals endorsed a mean number of 3.20 stressors (SDâ=â2.65) out of the 11-item list. Age and sex were significantly related to specific stressors. Total number of stressors was significantly related to depression (ß=0.67, pâ<â0.001) and anxiety symptoms (ß=0.58, pâ<â0.001) in patients and at-risk individuals (ß=0.35, pâ=â0.003 and ß=0.32, pâ=â0.006, respectively).Conclusions:
hese findings emphasize the significant burden of stress experienced by HD patients and at-risk individuals. We highlight a need for more specific stress-based measures and psychosocial support interventions for HD-affected families.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ansiedade
/
Estresse Psicológico
/
Doença de Huntington
/
Depressão
Limite:
Adult
/
Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Huntingtons Dis
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos