Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects muscle coordination and leads to mental decline and behavioral disorders.
Symptoms & Treatment: Symptoms of the disease can vary Aggression, Anger, Antisocial behavior, Apathy, Depression, Excitement, Frustration. Mood stabilisers, particularly carbamazepine, may be considered as a treatment for irritability. Olanzapine can also help, along with sodium valproate and lamotrigine.The dose of carbamazepine needs to be slowly increased and any side effects monitored. Carbamazepine can't be used during pregnancy.
Stats: It is difficult to tell how common HD is in a population. In Western countries it's estimated that about five to seven people per 100,000 are affected by HD (1). There are a few isolated populations in Western Europe where HD is unusually common.