Schizophrenic-like psychosis presentation of Huntington’s disease: on diagnostic features, therapeutic implications, and Future Directions. A case report.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25752/psi.21567Keywords:
Huntington’s Disease; Schizophrenia; Psychotic DisordersAbstract
Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is the commonest monogenic neurodegenerative disorder. Behavioral and psychological disturbances may predate the onset of motor and cognitive symptoms. Psychotic features are depicted by a minority of patients, usually as atypical psychosis.
Aims: To report and discuss a clinical case with significant particularities, from anamnesis and diagnosis to treatment considerations.
Methods: Direct clinical interviews and electronic clinical process examination. Research on MEDLINE database, using the MeSH terms: Huntington, sychosis, schizophrenia. Results and Conclusions: A 63 year old male presented an overall course and henomenology suggestive of very late onset schizophrenia. Later investigation asserted the diagnosis of HD. We discuss the clinical features, pharmacological management and the obstacles to consider when obtaining a family history, while highlighting the importance of understanding microsocial particularities when valuing social and occupational functioning. The ssociation between HD and psychotic features may prove relevant to further understand the genetic correlates of schizophrenia.
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