Juvenile-HD

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INDEX Page
Tools For Viewing
10 The Most Commonly Asked Questions
Clinical Trials & Research
Huntington's Disease~WeMove Info
Advocacy/Donations/Press Info
Clinical Definition & Search
Facing HD~Family Handbook
JHD Handbook-Chapter 1
JHD Info-Stanford Univ.
Physician's Guide To HD
Caring for People with HD
Physical & Occupational Therapy In HD
Understanding Behaviour in HD-Dr. Jane Paulsen
Understanding Behavioral-Dr. Edmond Chiu
Advanced Stages Caregivers Handbook
First Shift-Certified Nursing Assistants
Activities of Daily Living-HD
Unified HD Rating Scale (UHDRS) Motor Section
Westphal Variant
SECTION 1 - AT RISK
Age & Probability Chart
At Risk For HD-What Next?
At-Risk Checklist
Best Interest of Child?
Crystal Ball?
Food For Thought
Parent Hasn't Tested?
Q&A On Risk of Inheriting JHD
Testing Children
SECTION 2 - GENETIC TESTING
Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects
Genetic Testing for HD
Genetic Counseling-In General
Psychological Impact
Intro: Genetics/Genetic Testing
Prenatal & Preimplanation
Prenatal Testing-In General
o Genetic Testing Resources
o Personal Stories
SECTION 3 - JHD
Coping With The Early Years
Age of HD Appearance
Age of Onset-Historical
Family-HD Underestimated
Children of Parents With HD
Child~Parent Ill
Clinical Description JHD
HD - What Kids Are Saying
HD & Me
JHD-Duration of Illness
JHD-Clinical and Research
JHD Symptoms
Parenting With HD
Patients/Families Coping
Talking With Children About HD
5 Stages of HD
JHD Resources
SECTION 4 - SYMPTOM RECOGNITION
Parent Resources
8 Fears of A Chronic Illness
Anxiety/Apathy/Irritability~HD
Anxiety, Fears & Phobias
Apathy-Physician's Guide
Ataxia
Attention-Perceptual/Unawareness Physician's Guide
Bed/Pressure Sores
Bed/Pressure Ulcer Guideline
Behavior Management
Bi-Polar Disorders
Botulinum toxin therapy
Bradykinesia
Caring Tips
Child Abuse-Reconizing Signs
Chorea-Physician's Guide
Chorea
Cognitive/Decision Making/Impulsivity
Cognitive-Short Tips
Contractures~Joints Locking
Dehydration-Physician's Guide
Dehydration
Delirium
Denial of HD
Depression~Physician's Guide
Depression-Understanding It
Depression-How To Help
Depression - Treatment Resistant Patient
Depression-Other Resources
-Read If Your Child Is On Antidepressant
Disgust - Impaired Recognition in HD
Dissociative disorders
Driving - Physician's Guide
Dyslexia
Dyslexia Resources
Dystonia
Dystonia/Rigidity & Spasticity Physician's Guide
Dystonia-Predominant Adult-Onset HD
Epileptic Seizures and Epilepsy
Epilepsy-Seizures~PG
-Seizures ~Special Populations
Falling~Safety
Falling - Subdural Hematoma Risk
Fevers - Unexplained
Fevers, sweating & menstural cycles in HD
GERD (Stomach)
HD Principle Treatments
Hallucinations/Psychosis~PGHD
Hand muscle reflexes in HD
Hypothalamus - A Personal Theory
Insomia ~Physician's Guide
Irritability~Temper Outburst Physician's Guide
Learning Disability
Mania/OCD~Physician's Guide
Mood Disorder Rate In HD
Myoclonus (Movements)
Nails-What To Look For
Night Terrors
Obsessive Compulsive OCD
Panic Disorder
Personality disorders
Pneumonia
Pneumonia-Advanced Stages
Pneumonia - Aspirated (Inhaled)
Prosody - Social Impairment
Sexuality~Physician's Guide
Skins Sensitivity
Sleep Disorders
Smoking-Physician's Guide
Spasticity
Stress
Tremors
Why Certain Symptoms Occur
Symptom & Treatment Resources
SECTION 5 - COMMUNICATION
Communication Resources
Communication Problems
Communication Strategies For HD~Jeff Searle
SECTION 6 - EATING/SWALLOWING/NUITRITION
Hints For Weight Loss in HD
HD & Diet~HSA Fact Sheet 7
Nutrients: Some Possible Deficiency Symptoms
Nutrition and HD~Anna Gaba (Recipes)
Nutrition Information In HD~Naomi Lundeen
Speech & Swallowing~Lynn Rhodes
Swallowing & Nutrition Physician's Guide To HD
Swallowing & Nuitrition Resources
Swallowing Warning Signs
5 Swallowing Problems
Taste changes in HD
Weight Gain
Resources-Drinks/Shakes
-Feeding Tubes~Advanced Stages of HD
-Feeding Tube~Jean Miller
-Feeding Tubes: One More Word ~Jean Miller
-Feeding Tubes & Baby Foods
-Feeding Tube~Dental Care
-Feeding Tube Instructions~Jean Miller
-Feeding Tube Resources
SECTION 7 - THERAPIES
Finding a Therapist - Behavoir
What Is A Physiotherapist?
Physical Therapy In HD
Speech-Language Therapy
Therapy Descriptions
Therapy Resources- Easter Seal
Therapy Resources
SECTION 8 - MEDICATIONS
HD Treatments
Medications-Movement Disorders
Medication/Emergency Info Forms
Cutting Prescriptions
Drugs-Look 'Em Up
-Adolescents Under 25
-Antidepressant Adverse Effects
-Anti-psychotic
-Anxiety-Antidepressant
A-Z Mental Health Drugs
-Creatine
-EPA~Fish Oil
-Haldol/Haloperidol - Clinical Sheet
-Haldol~Clinician Description
-Haldol & HD
-Haldol/HD Patient Experiences
-Haldol~ Patient Handout
-Mood Stabilizers: ASK 3 Questions
-Neuroleptic Malignant Synd WARNING
-Olanzipine-Risperidone/blood tests
-Celexa/Luvox/Paxil/Prozac/Zoloft
-Psychiatric Drugs & Children
Sertraline ~Zoloft
-Spasticity Meds/Treatments
-SSRI Medications
-Tardive Dyskinesia WARNING
-Weight Gain Medications
-Sites/Help the Medicine Go Down
-Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies
SECTION 9 - SURGERIES
Surgery-Movement Disorders
o Surgery Resources
SECTION 10 - PROCEDURES
Clinic Visits-How To Prepare
CT Scans, MRI's etc.
Swallowing Tests
Tests Commonly Used
o Procedures Resources
SECTION 11- ALCOHOL/DRUGS
Alcohol-Parent's Guide
Alcohol-Talking To Your Child
Drugs-What To Do?
Drugs-Talking To Your Child
Disciplining-Ages 0-13 & Up
SECTION 12- SUICIDE
Straight Talk On Suicide
Teen Suicide-You Need To Know
o Suicide Resources
SECTION 13 - DIVORCE
Divorce & Child Stress
Tips For Divorcing Parents
SECTION 14 - DISABILITY ISSUES
Guides To Disability Issues
Caring-Child & Medical Technology
Caring for a Seriously Ill Child
Child Long Term Illness
Disability-Special Education Plan
IFSP Early Intervention Process
Disability Resources
Financial Planning
Wishes Can Come True-Children's Wish Foundations
Special Needs Resources
Special Needs Camp - About
Special Needs Camp - Finding One
SECTION 15 - ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Child Assistive Technology
Adaptive Equipment Resources
Products
SECTION 16 - EMOTIONAL ISSUES
Signs of Unhealthy Self-Esteem
Emotional Behavior Links
o Emotional Support Resources
SECTION 17 - GRIEF
Helping Child Deal With Death
o Grief Addtional Resources
SECTION 18 - ADD/ADHD
ADD & Teens
Conduct Disorders
FAQS & Related Info
Understanding AD/HD
What Is AD/HD?
Research Articles
Resources
SECTION 19 - HD SUPPORT GROUPS
HD Support Groups
National Youth Association
SECTION 20 - HD LINKS
HD Links
Related Resources
Tips For Friends
SECTION 21 - BENEFITS/INSURNACE
HD Disability
Benefits Check UP - See What You Can Get
Medical Insurance Bureau's Facts On You!
Medicare-Medicaid
Medicare Rights-Home Health & Hospice
Medicare Rights Center Resources
No Insurance? Try This!
Prescription Drug Cards Part I
Prescription Drug Cards Part II
Social Security-Children With Disabilities
SECTION 22 - ARTICLES/JHD
JHD and ADD
SECTION 23 - CAREGIVING
Articles-Resources
Caregiver Self-Assessment
Caregiver's Handbook
"First Shift With A Person With HD"
Getting Respite Care/Help At Home
Helpful Forms-Info
Home Emergency Preparations
Symptom Management
Ten Tips
Useful Tools
SECTION 24 - BIO
Our Personal Experience
Coping At The End
Kelly E. Miller
Song & Verse
Letter From My Heart
GUESTBOOK
Teen Suicide-You Need To Know

INDEX Page

What do I need to know about teenage suicide?

Before you can help anyone, you need to know the facts about teenage suicide. When you know what signs to look for, you'll be more able to try and help save a life-maybe even your own.

If you are in crisis now and need referral to a mental health professional, call one of the crisis numbers listed on this site immediately.

What are the warning signs of teenage suicide?

    The teen may threaten suicide, either directly or indirectly.

    The teen seems obsessed with death.

    Themes of death or depression permeate the teen's conversation, writing, reading or artwork.

    The teen seems constantly bored or world-weary, has poor concentration, shows declining quality of schoolwork.

    There are dramatic changes in personality, appearance or behavior.

    The teen demonstrates aggressive, rebellious and/or disobedient behavior.

    The teen suffers an overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection.

    The teen frequently complains about stomachaches, headaches, fatigue or other physical symptoms often linked to emotions.

    The teen changes eating or sleeping patterns.

    There are signs of excessive substance use.

    The teen has suffered a recent, significant loss such as the death of a parent or friend.

    The person is frequently absent from work or school.

    The teen shows an inability to carry out the normal tasks of daily life.

    The teen may become sexually promiscuous.

    There is a noted isolation or withdrawal from friends, family, etc.

    The teen ends significant relationships or commitments.

    The teen may give away treasured possessions.

Note: This is not a complete list, nor will any one person exhibit all of the signs

What are the facts and myths of teenage suicide?

Myth
Teens who talk about suicide rarely commit suicide.

Fact
Most of the teens who attempt or commit suicide give clues or warnings of their intentions. Do not ignore statements like, "You'll be sorry when I'm dead," or "I can't see my way out." No matter how casually or jokingly said, these may really indicate suicidal feelings.

Myth
Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.

Fact
Actually, the opposite is true. Asking someone directly will often lower the anxiety level and act as a deterrent to suicidal behavior. Discussing suicide openly and honestly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Myth
Improvement following a suicidal crisis means the risk is over.

Fact
The greatest danger of suicide exists during the first three months following an attempt or deep depression. A "miraculous, overnight recovery" could be a significant danger signal. It may take months to feel consistently better and in control.

Myth
Suicidal people are mentally ill.

Fact
Perhaps only about 25 percent of them are actually psychotic. Although many suicidal people suffer extreme distress and emotional pain, these are not necessarily signs of mental illness.

Myth
There is no correlation between alcohol and suicide.

Fact
Alcohol and suicide often go hand in hand. People wishing to commit suicide frequently do so under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Even people who do not normally drink may ingest alcohol shortly before killing themselves.

Myth
The suicidal person wants to die and feels there is no turning back.

Fact
Suicidal people are usually ambivalent, wavering until the last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do
 not want d

Which teens are most at risk of committing suicide?

    Those who have had major changes in their lives, such as a parental divorce, a move to another city or school, etc.

    Those who have had problems with school or the law.

    Those who have problems with alcohol and/or other drugs.

    Teens who have suffered serious illness or injury.

    Those who have had a recent loss of a friend or family member (even a pet) through death or suicide.

    Teens who have broken up with a girl- or boyfriend.

    Those who suffer from depression.

    Those teens who are gifted or have a learning disability.

    Young persons who are gay, lesbian or questioning their sexuality.

    Young women who are pregnant.

    Teens who are currently being or have been abused.

How can I tell if a teen is at risk?


Ask the following questions to help determine the risk level:

1. Have you been sad or unhappy?
A "yes" confirms the person has been feeling some depression.

2. Do you ever feel hopeless or does it seem as if things will never get better?
"Yes" indicates feelings of hopelessness, which often accompany suicidal thoughts.

3. Do you have thoughts of death?
"Yes" indicates suicidal wishes, but not necessarily suicidal plans. Many depressed people say they'd be better off dead and wish they'd die in their sleep or get killed in an accident. However, most of them say they have no intention of killing themselves.

4. Do you ever have any actual suicidal impulses or any urge to kill yourself?
If yes, ask about their specific plans. What method have they chosen-hanging, pills, a gun? Do they have the rope, the pills or the gun?

5. Have you determined when you will kill yourself?
If they plan to do it soon, the danger is grave.

6. Is there anything holding you back, such as family or religious convictions?
If they say no, that people would be better off without them, and if they have no other deterrents, suicide is much more likely.

7. Have you ever made a suicide attempt in the past?
Past attempts practically guarantee future attempts. Suicidal gestures can be more dangerous than they seem, since many of these people ultimately do kill themselves. Take all suicide attempts seriously.

8. Would you be willing to talk to someone or seek help?
If yes, determine to whom they should talk. If the suicidal person is cooperative and has a clear plan to reach out for help, the danger is less than if the person is stubborn, secretive, hostile and unwilling to get help.

What should I know about depression?

    Depression is not the same as feeling "blue."

    Being depressed does not mean you are "crazy."

    No one knows why certain people get depressed.

    Heredity may be factor, but so are environment and events in a person's life.

    We do know that depression starts with a biochemical imbalance in the brain.

    There are two types of depression: clinical depression and dysthymia.

    Clinical depression is the most severe.

    Dysthymia, while less severe, lasts longer. A person will experience two or more of the following symptoms for at least 2 years:

      lack of appetite or overeating
      inability to sleep or too much sleep
      fatigue
      low self-esteem
      low concentration
      feelings of hopelessness

    Depression and Suicide

      Depression does not always lead to suicide.

      Depression can be treated readily, and the success rate for treating depression is high.

      Counseling by a psychologist or other mental health professional may be enough to help.

      If a person needs medication, only a psychiatrist, a medical doctor with further studies in mental health, may prescribe it.

      Severe, suicidal depression is a very real medical emergency.

      If you or someone you know is depressed, see that you or the person gets help before suicidal thoughts can occur.


Source: A.N.S.W.E.R. - Adolescents Never Suicide When Everyone Responds  www.teenanswer.org