Huntington’s Disease
A genetic neurodegenerative disease causing progressive decline in movement control, cognition, and psychiatric functioning, including a form of major neurocognitive disorder.
Overview
Huntington’s disease is an inherited neurodegenerative condition caused by a specific genetic mutation, leading to progressive movement, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms, including major or mild neurocognitive disorder as the disease progresses.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include involuntary jerking movements (chorea), progressive difficulty with thinking and planning, and psychiatric symptoms such as depression, irritability, or apathy. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Huntington’s disease is caused by an inherited expansion of a specific gene; a parent with the gene has a 50% chance of passing it to each child.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Psychiatric symptom management and psychosocial support are important components of comprehensive care.
Medication
Certain medications can help manage movement symptoms and specific psychiatric symptoms, though no treatment currently stops disease progression. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Huntington’s Disease
Genetic counseling is recommended for individuals with a family history who are considering genetic testing.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Huntington’s disease is progressive; comprehensive multidisciplinary care can help manage symptoms and support quality of life.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institutes of Health.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.