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Snow ALB, Ciriegio AE, Watson KH, Pfalzer AC, Diehl S, Hale L, McDonell KE, Claassen DO, Compas BE. Stress in Huntington's Disease: Characteristics and Correlates in Patients and At-Risk Individuals. J Huntingtons Dis 2024:JHD231515. [PMID: 38578897 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-231515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
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 (n = 57) and at-risk individuals (n = 81) 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 (SD = 2.74) 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 (SD = 2.65) out of the 11-item list. Age and sex were significantly related to specific stressors. Total number of stressors was significantly related to depression (β=0.67, p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (β=0.58, p < 0.001) in patients and at-risk individuals (β=0.35, p = 0.003 and β=0.32, p = 0.006, 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L B Snow
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Abagail E Ciriegio
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelly H Watson
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anna C Pfalzer
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Spencer Diehl
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa Hale
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Katherine E McDonell
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Daniel O Claassen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bruce E Compas
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Greenwell K, Gray WK, van Wersch A, van Schaik P, Walker R. Predictors of the psychosocial impact of being a carer of people living with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2014; 21:1-11. [PMID: 25457815 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Caring for a person with Parkinson's disease (PwP) can have a variety of negative consequences that may challenge their ability to continue their caring role. It is still unknown why some individuals adapt better than others in response to such burdens. This review is the first to synthesize and evaluate the evidence on the predictive factors of psychosocial outcomes in PwP carers. METHODS Studies which identified predictors of psychosocial outcomes for unpaid carers were included. PsychINFO, EMBASE, AMED, BNI and CINAHL databases were searched, supplemented by scanning of references lists of included studies and relevant journals from 2008 onwards. Quality was assessed using the NICE methodology checklist for prognostic studies. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies were included in the review, providing a low-level of evidence. Carer burden was investigated in 18 studies and mental health and quality of life (QoL) in seven studies each. PwP non-motor symptoms and QoL and carer depression were consistently identified as predictors for at least one psychosocial outcome. Demographics and disease factors were consistently found not to be predictors. Carer involvement and protective factors (e.g. social support, personality) demonstrated promising findings but studies were too few or factors measured inconsistently. CONCLUSION Confident conclusions could not be drawn regarding the most important predictors that should be targeted in psychosocial interventions due to methodological weaknesses and lack of theoretical testing across the current literature. Future research should build upon psychological theory to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms that explain how carers adapt to caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Greenwell
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Medicine, North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK.
| | - William K Gray
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Medicine, North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - Anna van Wersch
- School of Social Sciences and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Paul van Schaik
- School of Social Sciences and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Richard Walker
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Medicine, North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK; Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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Scuffham TM, MacMillan JC. Huntington disease: who seeks presymptomatic genetic testing, why and what are the outcomes? J Genet Couns 2014; 23:754-61. [PMID: 24399092 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-013-9678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to: 1) quantify the characteristics of those seeking presymptomatic testing for HD, 2) identify their motivations for testing, 3) quantify the waiting times between the various steps within the testing process, and 4) quantify the outcomes of testing at a large state-wide genetic testing center in Australia. A review of medical charts for all referrals for presymptomatic testing of Huntington disease received over a 4 year period (2006-2010) was undertaken. A total of 152 cases met the study inclusion criteria; the mean age was 39 years, 46 % were male and 61 % underwent genetic testing. Of the males who were tested there was a non-significant trend towards having an affected mother vs father (62 %, p = 0.09), whereas females tested were just as likely to have an affected mother or father. The most frequently cited reasons for seeking testing were "family planning", "plan future", and "need to know". Some 11 % deferred testing following the psychological assessment. Of those at 50 % prior risk, 57.5 % tested positive; this was higher than expected and much higher than reported in other studies. The median times from referral to initial appointment, and then to results was 69 days and 144 days respectively. Overall, this review of medical charts shows the depth of information obtainable from routinely collected data and revealed that a high proportion of patients tested positive for HD at this centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey M Scuffham
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia,
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Heiniger L, Butow PN, Price MA, Charles M. Distress in unaffected individuals who decline, delay or remain ineligible for genetic testing for hereditary diseases: a systematic review. Psychooncology 2012; 22:1930-45. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.3235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 11/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Heiniger
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Psychology; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
- School of Psychology; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - Phyllis N. Butow
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Psychology; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
- School of Psychology; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - Melanie A. Price
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Psychology; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
- School of Psychology; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
| | - Margaret Charles
- School of Psychology; University of Sydney; New South Wales Australia
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Downing NR, Williams JK, Leserman AL, Paulsen JS. Couples' coping in prodromal Huntington disease: a mixed methods study. J Genet Couns 2012; 21:662-70. [PMID: 22278219 PMCID: PMC3568751 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-012-9480-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) includes a prodromal phase with behavioral, cognitive, and motor function decline occurring up to 15 years prior to diagnosis. This study used mixed methods to examine how people in the prodromal phase and their companions coped with noticed changes. Twenty-three couples completed a semi-structured interview and Brief COPE. Participants with prodromal HD used acceptance, emotional support, and planning most frequently; companions used acceptance, planning, and active coping. Least frequently used coping strategies for each were denial, behavioral disengagement, and substance use. Qualitative interviews revealed coping strategies not included in the Brief COPE. Participants with prodromal HD used prescription medications, coping as a couple, hope, and self-monitoring; companions used hope and helping their partners. Many of the coping procedures were rated as effective, especially when changes were not severe. Couples may benefit from counseling that emphasizes using active coping strategies for changes that can be compensated for and acceptance for changes that cannot in prodromal HD. Findings from this study may be helpful for counseling patients and significant others facing other neurodegenerative conditions with prodromal or early phases, such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R. Downing
- The University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Anne L. Leserman
- The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jane S. Paulsen
- The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Buckmaster A, Gallagher P. Experiences of and perspectives on genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer in and outside of the customary clinical setting. Psychol Health 2010; 25:1041-59. [DOI: 10.1080/08870440903067583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Williams JK, Erwin C, Juhl A, Mills J, Brossman B, Paulsen JS. Personal factors associated with reported benefits of Huntington disease family history or genetic testing. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2010; 14:629-36. [PMID: 20722493 PMCID: PMC2957234 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2010.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS A family history of Huntington disease (HD) or receiving results of HD predictive genetic testing can influence individual well-being, family relationships, and social interactions in positive and negative ways. The aim of this study was to examine benefits reported by people with an HD family history or those who have undergone predictive HD testing, as well as the personal variables associated with perceived benefits. METHODS Seventy-four of 433 people completing the International Response of a Sample Population to HD risk (I-RESPOND-HD) survey reported benefits. Knowledge and understanding was perceived as the most common benefit from participants in both groups. The next most frequent perceived benefits from a family history were connecting with others and achieving life meaning and insights. The next most common perceived benefits from genetic testing were life planning and social support. The least common perceived benefit for both groups was renewed hope and optimism. Older age and spirituality were significantly associated with benefits in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Perceptions of benefit may not be as likely until later years in people with prodromal HD. A developed sense of spirituality is identified as a personal resource associated with the perception of benefit from genetic testing for HD. Associations among spirituality, perceived benefits, and other indicators of personal and family well-being may be useful in genetic counseling and health care of people with prodromal HD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheryl Erwin
- Department of Family Medicine, John P. McGovern Center for Health, Humanities, and the Human Spirit, University of Texas Medical School of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew Juhl
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - James Mills
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Bradley Brossman
- TIMSS and PIRLS International Study Center, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jane S. Paulsen
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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Smith VJ, Stewart TL, Myers AC, Latu IM. Implicit Coping Responses to Racism Predict African Americans' Level of Psychological Distress. BASIC AND APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/01973530802375110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Coulson NS, Buchanan H, Aubeeluck A. Social support in cyberspace: a content analysis of communication within a Huntington's disease online support group. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2007; 68:173-8. [PMID: 17629440 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2007.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Revised: 05/29/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disorder, characterized by a progressive degeneration of the brain. Due to the nature of the symptoms, the genetic element of the disease, and the fact that there is no cure, HD patients and those in their support network often experience considerable stress and anxiety. With an expansion in Internet access, individuals affected by HD have new opportunities for information retrieval and social support. The aim of this study is to examine the provision of social support in messages posted to a HD online support group bulletin board. METHODS In total, 1313 messages were content analyzed using a modified version of the social support behavior code developed by [Cutrona CE, Suhr J. Controllability of stressful events and satisfaction with spouse support behaviors. Commun Res 1992;19:154-74]. RESULTS The analysis indicates that group members most frequently offered informational (56.2%) and emotional support (51.9%) followed by network support (48.4%) with esteem support (21.7%), and tangible assistance (9.8%) least frequently offered. CONCLUSION This study suggests that exchanging informational and emotional support represents a key function of this online group. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Online support groups provide a unique opportunity for health professionals to learn about the experiences and views of individuals affected by HD and explore where and why gaps may exist between evidence-based medicine and consumer behavior and expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil S Coulson
- Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, UK.
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Tassicker RJ, Marshall PK, Liebeck TA, Keville MA, Singaram BM, Richards FH. Predictive and pre-natal testing for Huntington Disease in Australia: results and challenges encountered during a 10-year period (1994-2003). Clin Genet 2006; 70:480-9. [PMID: 17100992 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2006.00701.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study summarizes 10-years' experience of predictive and pre-natal testing and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for Huntington disease (HD) in Australia. Results are presented from 2036 direct mutation predictive tests conducted between January 1994 and December 2003. Thirty-eight per cent of results (776/2036) were positive, 56% (1140/2036) were negative, and 6% (120/2036)) were in the mutable normal (27-35 CAG repeats) or in the reduced penetrance (36-39 CAG repeats) ranges. Ninety-four per cent (1908/2036) and 6% (128/2036) of those tested had prior genetic risks of 50% and 25%, respectively. Twenty-seven per cent (34/128) of those at 25% risk had their genetic status changed to positive, thus revealing the positive status of their at-risk parent. During this period, 63 pre-natal tests were also conducted, and 13 children were born following PGD for HD. Social workers specializing in predictive testing counselling over this 10-year period across Australia identified and summarized particularly challenging counselling issues. These included the interpretation of mutable normal and reduced penetrance range test results, potential conflicts of interest between family members regarding testing decisions, unanticipated consequences of both predictive and pre-natal testing decisions, the importance of following protocols for predictive testing to facilitate long-term adjustment to results, and the potential for genetic discrimination. The identified issues highlight the importance of the protocols for predictive testing and indicate that extension of the international guidelines published in 1994 may be timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Tassicker
- Genetic Health Services Victoria, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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