Open AccessPerceived Effects of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms on Functional Status in Early-stage Huntington Disease
Author(s) -
Jessie S. Gibson,
Bethany A. Rhoten,
Sheila H. Ridner,
Daniel O. Claassen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
western journal of nursing research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.552
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1552-8456
pISSN - 0193-9459
DOI - 10.1177/0193945921992545
Subject(s) - disease , intervention (counseling) , cognition , huntington's disease , psychology , clinical psychology , activities of daily living , medicine , psychiatry
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Huntington disease (HD) are commonly encountered, but their effects on functional status are poorly understood. In this qualitative study guided by the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms, 15 HD patients and caregivers completed semi-structured interviews regarding perceived effects of neuropsychiatric symptoms on functional status. Physical, cognitive, and social functional effects were reported, with negative effects on daily activities and social withdrawal being reported by the greatest number of subjects. Participants also reported improved function with intervention for neuropsychiatric symptoms. This study provides a novel description of the lived experiences of HD patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms.