Death anxiety and psychometric studies in Huntington's disease

Levels of death anxiety and psychopathology were measured in thirteen Huntington's disease patients. An attempt was made to isolate factors relevant to the determination of death anxiety in patients with this disease. It was found that as their illness progresses, HD patients suffer from a decrease in cognitive function as measured by the WAIS, a significantly high level of depression as measured by the MMPI, and a great concern for physical and emotional care. Levels of death anxiety, as measured by Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), were widely dispersed; however, all patients viewed death as relief. The DAS was positively correlated with measures of psychopathology. Five of the patients considered suicide a realistic alternative to living with HD, and cited motivating factors as ungratified physical and emotional needs, and financial burdens. Recommendations are made for specialized care.