Suicidal ideation in a European Huntingtonʹs disease population

AbstractBackground us studies indicate increased prevalences of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide in Huntingtonʹs disease (HD) compared with the general population. This study investigates correlates and predictors of suicidal ideation in HD. s udy cohort consisted of 2106 HD mutation carriers, all participating in the REGISTRY study of the European Huntingtonʹs Disease Network. Of the 1937 participants without suicidal ideation at baseline, 945 had one or more follow-up measurements. Participants were assessed for suicidal ideation by the behavioural subscale of the Unified Huntingtonʹs Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). Correlates of suicidal ideation were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and predictors were analyzed using Cox regression analysis. s eline, 169 (8.0%) mutation carriers endorsed suicidal ideation. Disease duration (odds ratio [OR]=0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9–1.0), anxiety (OR=2.14; 95%CI: 1.4–3.3), aggression (OR=2.41; 95%CI: 1.5–3.8), a previous suicide attempt (OR=3.95; 95%CI: 2.4–6.6), and a depressed mood (OR=13.71; 95%CI: 6.7–28.0) were independently correlated to suicidal ideation at baseline. The 4-year cumulative incidence of suicidal ideation was 9.9%. Longitudinally, the presence of a depressed mood (hazard ratio [HR]=2.05; 95%CI: 1.1–4.0) and use of benzodiazepines (HR=2.44; 95%CI: 1.2–5.0) at baseline were independent predictors of incident suicidal ideation, whereas a previous suicide attempt was not predictive. tions cidal ideation was assessed by only one item, and participants were a selection of all HD mutation carriers, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was likely underestimated. sions al ideation in HD frequently occurs. Assessment of suicidal ideation is a priority in mutation carriers with a depressed mood and in those using benzodiazepines.