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Suicidal ideation in Huntington disease: the role of comorbidity

Heather H Wetzel1, Carissa R Gehl, Lisa Dellefave-Castillo

  • 1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.

Psychiatry Research
|May 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Huntington disease patients with depression, anxiety, aggression, or substance abuse face higher suicide risks. Routine suicide assessments are crucial for individuals with Huntington disease exhibiting these psychiatric symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Huntington disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
  • HD is associated with cognitive, motor, and psychiatric symptoms, including increased suicide risk.
  • Research has historically prioritized motor and cognitive aspects over psychiatric manifestations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate psychiatric comorbidities in Huntington disease patients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in Huntington disease.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 1941 Huntington disease patients.
  • Logistic regression models to determine predictors of suicidal ideation.
  • Examination of psychiatric comorbidities including depression, anxiety, aggression, irritability, and substance abuse.

Main Results:

  • 19% of Huntington disease patients reported current suicidal ideation.
  • Depression/anxiety and aggression/irritability were significant predictors of suicidal ideation.
  • Alcohol and drug abuse were also predictive in a subsample with high suicidal ideation.

Conclusions:

  • Psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression, anxiety, aggression, and substance abuse, are linked to suicidal ideation in Huntington disease.
  • Routine suicide risk assessments are recommended for all Huntington disease patients, especially those with these psychiatric features.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the high suicide rates in Huntington disease.

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