Source: Werth & Holdwick, 2000
| Criteria for Rational Suicide |
|---|
The person considering suicide has an unremitting “hopeless” condition. Hopeless conditions include, but are not necessarily limited to, terminal illnesses, severe physical and/or psychological pain, physically or mentally debilitating and/or deteriorating conditions, or quality of life no longer acceptable to the individual. The person makes the decision as a free choice (i.e., is not pressured by others to choose suicide). The person has engaged in a sound decision-making process. This process should include the following:
|
Stages of Huntington’s Disease (Nance et al, 2011)
| Pre-manifest | Early Stage | Mid Stage | Late Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Known to carry the HD gene mutation but symptoms are not yet apparent | Largely functional: May continue to work, drive, handle money, and live independently. | Loss of ability to work or drive, manage their own finances or perform their own household chores. Can usually still manage to eat, dress, and undertake own personal hygiene | Require assistance in all activities of daily living. |
| Subtle changes in mood and cognition may be reported or observed | Symptoms may include: minor involuntary movements subtle loss of coordination, difficulty thinking through complex problems, possible depression, irritability, or disinhibition. | Chorea may be prominent. Difficulties with: swallowing, balance, increased risk of falls, weight loss and problem solving Likely depression, irritability and apathy | Chorea may be severe, but more often it is replaced by rigidity, dystonia, and bradykinesia. Generally non-verbal |