Early Psychiatric Manifestations of Huntington's Disease: More Than Just a Movement Disorder

Authors

  • Iracema Leroi Department of Psychiatry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia
  • Max Michalon Department of Psychiatry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15273/dmj.Vol25No2.3734

Abstract

Huntington‘s disease (HD), a neurodegenerative condition of the central nervous system, poses a major challenge for clinicians. The clinical presentation is variable and consists of cognitive, psychiatric and motor symptoms. The psychiatric manifestations often appear many years before the movement disorder. Lack of recognition of the psychiatric manifestations may lead to delays in diagnosis and multidisciplinary interventions. The aim of this article is to highlight the psychiatric aspects of HD, particularly focusing on the early presentation. Two cases of HD with prominent psychiatric symptoms are used to illustrate the prevalence of these aspects of the disease. In the absence of treatment directly influencing the course of HD, psychiatrists remain central to the multidisciplinary team diagnosing and treating this debilitating condition.
Volume 1 DMJ

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How to Cite

Leroi, I., & Michalon, M. (1997). Early Psychiatric Manifestations of Huntington’s Disease: More Than Just a Movement Disorder. DALHOUSIE MEDICAL JOURNAL, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.15273/dmj.Vol25No2.3734

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 2 (1997)

Section

Original Research

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