Locus of control in patients with Huntington disease: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Health locus of control (LOC) represents an individual's beliefs regarding one's ability to influence health outcomes. In patients with chronic and neurodegenerative diseases, greater internal LOC has been associated with lower levels of disability.

OBJECTIVE

To examine LOC in patients with Huntington disease (HD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of individuals affected by HD, stratified by disease status, was conducted. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Internal Control Index (ICI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales.

RESULTS

Thirty-four subjects completed the study. All groups demonstrated greater internal LOC (measured by ICI scores), and significant differences between groups were observed. Secondary analysis demonstrated relationships between depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, and ICI score and time from clinical diagnosis of HD.

CONCLUSION

As patients with chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases such as HD are likely to present for chiropractic care, identifying factors such as anxiety, depression and LOC may affect patients' response to care.