Certain illnesses carry a high risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts. Huntington’s disease is no exception, but instead is associated with an increased risk for suicidal ideation, attempts and completed suicide. Experts have found that an individual’s coping style and support provided by healthcare professionals and family can make a positive impact on quality of life and prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Huntington’s Disease: A Brief Introduction
Huntington’s is a rare and inherited neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment and decline, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It generally begins in a person’s 30s or 40s and while most symptoms can be treated by medications and support, there currently is no cure. Once symptoms emerge, functional abilities worsen over time.
Statistics
Huntington’s disease carries a significantly higher risk for suicide than the general population. Some studies show a 2 to 8 times greater risk and over 11% completed deaths among those with motor symptoms. Those with pre-motor symptoms, such as cognitive impairment or depression, have a suicide rate between 3% to 17% during their lifetime.
Highest Risk
Clinical depression is strongly associated with a high risk for suicide. Studies show that individuals are most vulnerable for suicidal behaviors before a diagnosis is given and during the middle stages of the disease, as it becomes progressively worse and independence becomes lost. Other psychiatric symptoms are associated with suicide including irritability, aggression, obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors, and a previous suicide attempt. In some studies, those who were taking antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications were also at risk.
Talking About Suicide
While there is no sure way to prevent suicide among those with Huntington’s disease, some strategies may be helpful in reducing risks and improving quality of life. Some studies show that having people like family members and healthcare professionals to talk to about suicide is important. Some individuals express a great need to share their thoughts about suicide. Listening and taking their thoughts seriously can be helpful and provide relief, improved self-esteem and the ability to see things more positively.
Engaging in Self-Care
Some studies show that individuals who engage in different activities, exercise, and relaxation methods may cope better with their illness. Those who get outside, go for a walk, and stay socially connected also seem to deal with suicidal thoughts better. These types of activities may improve the person’s self-esteem, build confidence, decrease stress and decrease thoughts about death or dying.
Medications
Many individuals diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, who have symptoms of depression and suicidal thinking, will be prescribed antidepressants and other psychotropic medications. These types of medications can be very effective in treating mood disorders and decrease suicidal thinking or attempts. Most individuals will also receive some type of supportive care along with their prescriptions.
Take Away
Although Huntington’s is rare, it is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that significantly impacts quality of life and independence. Many studies show a strong association between depression and suicidal thoughts and attempts. While there is no cure, healthcare professionals and family can talk with the individual about their feelings and thoughts pertaining to suicide, and encourage self-care and management of symptoms through life-style and medications.