Psychological well-being in persons affected by Huntington's disease: a comparison of at-risk, prodromal, and symptomatic groups.

In order to broaden knowledge of psychological functioning in Huntington's disease (HD), participants at-risk, prodromal, and symptomatic for HD reported on stress, negative affect, and depressive symptoms as well as life satisfaction, positive affect, and quality of life. Persons with symptomatic HD reported fewer psychological assets and greater stress, depressive symptoms, and negative affect than other groups. Positive affect in symptomatic persons did not significantly differ from other groups, and was higher in persons at-risk for HD than in controls. Greater attention to psychological assets in HD is warranted, particularly positive affect which may not decline early in the disease.