Knowing the Signs of Depression in Huntington's Disease
by ALLAN GRILL CRC, MFTReprinted from HDSA Nucleus Fall/Winter 1999
Depression is one of the common psychiatric syndromes related to Huntington’s Disease. It is often a syndrome that goes unrecognized and untreated.
While depression affects a significant number of people with HD (it is estimated at 40%), it is one of the most effectively treatable set of symptoms. Knowing the signs of depression is the first step in getting the appropriate help.
Depression can be a psychological reaction to a variety of life changes and stressors. This may include declining physical health, loss of work or career, decreased financial security, and a decline in mobility that affects keeping up with familiar and pleasurable activities and involvement.
Feeling depressed at times
is a normal part of life, especially when confronted with such
issues. In
Huntington’s Disease, depression may also result from organic,
neurological changes
in the brain that actually contribute to changes in mood and behavior.
Both
types of depression are usually
treatable with conventional treatments, including psychotropic
medications and
psychotherapy.
Depression can
affect your whole outlook on life, kind of like wearing dark,
gray sunglasses
that continually filter out any potential for pleasure and hope. The simplest task becomes a burden, and
coping with routine responsibilities can seem like a monumental
challenge and
feel impossible to negotiate.
Some of
the more common signs of depression:
- Feelings of
hopelessness, sadness, and/or tearfulness
- Changes in
appetite (eating less or more than usual)
- Sleep disturbance
(insomnia, early waking or sleeping too much)
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty
initiating things that were once easier and pleasurable to do
- Tendency to
isolate oneself
- Thoughts of death
or suicide
- Irritability
- Feelings of
worthlessness
Depression can also
affect family members, friends, and care providers who don’t
have the gene, but
are deeply affected by the variety of life changes and feelings that
surface.
Frequently, the strong feelings
that are experienced are a way of getting our attention - a wake up
call. Ignoring these feelings can lead to
physical
and emotional distress.
You don’t have to
succumb to depression or fight against it alone.
There simply are times when your own
resources just aren’t enough, and at these times the assistance of medical and mental health professionals are
helpful.
If you suspect that you or a loved one have signs of depression, here are some helpful suggestions and resources:
Strategies
for
coping with depression:
- Consult with your
doctor about medications that may be helpful in treating depression and
also about possible mood-altering side-effects of medications that you
are currently
taking
- Try to maintain a
routine - set your alarm clock daily and stick to a written routine (be
sure to include a variety of pleasurable activities)
- Keep away from
alcohol and recreational drugs - they make depression worse
- Get fresh air,
sunlight, and exercise
- Eat wholesome
foods and an adequate amount of calories
- Reach out to
friends and relatives
- Join a support group
Resources:
- 24 Hour Crisis
Intervention Phone Lines
(call directory assistance for the crisis line in
your area) or call (888) SUICIDE
Publications:
Understanding
Behavior in Huntington’s Disease by Jane Paulsen, PhD
A Physician’s Guide
to the Management of Huntington’s Disease