Posttraumatic growth in Huntington disease: measuring the effects of genetic testing and disease on positive psychological change

摘要: Huntington disease (HD) is a genetically transmitted fatal neurodegenerative condition that currently has no cure. The symptoms of HD are manifested as cognitive declines, neuropsychiatric disturbances, and motor dysfunction. An autosomal dominant genetic defect responsible for the onset HD, which means children an affected parent have 50% chance inheriting disease. Predictive testing been available since 1993, positive test result person will develop with 100% certainty. People who HD-gene expansion, but not yet unequivocal signs, said to be in prodromal phase HD. A number studies examined concerns about utility its negative psychological consequences gene-expanded non-expanded individuals (e.g., traumatization, suicidal ideation). Although research understandably focused on potential distress, there some evidence suggesting may actually experience growth related receiving improved relationships, pursuing new opportunities). aim present study was understand relationship between testing, symptoms, posttraumatic (PTG). Participants were recruited through multinational PREDICT-HD (Jane Paulsen, PI) they completed Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996) assess permanent change learning their status. Symbol Digit Modalities Test (Smith, 1991), Unified Huntington‘s Disease Rating Scale Motor Exam (Huntington‘s Study Group, 1996),