Affiliations: [a]
Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| [b]
Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: Abigail L.B. Snow, Department of Psychology & Human Development, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Pl, PMB #552, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. Tel.: +1 615 875 9750; Email: abigail.l.snow@vanderbilt.edu.
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.
