Understanding the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative process that is manifest as deterioration in a person's motor control, cognition and emotional stability. Emotional instability is reflected through a variety of symptoms such as personality change, anxiety and irritability. These symptoms are complex and often poorly understood. Changes in the caudate are thought to contribute to psychiatric alterations seen in HD patients. An understanding of common psychiatric disorders seen in HD allows nurses to develop appropriate interventions.