Psychiatric presentation of Huntington's disease in a Malaysian family

Med J Malaysia. 1996 Mar;51(1):153-6.

Abstract

A 32-year-old Chinese lady presented to the Psychiatric Clinic with a history of change in personality for 2 years and abnormal movements for a year. After thorough investigations and observation a diagnosis of Huntington's Disease was made. Her elder brother was traced and found to have Huntington's Disease as well. He had a long standing history of antisocial behaviour and substance abuse long before the onset of the choreiform movements. Her younger brother also has choreiform movements for the last 2 years and had recent change in personality. Their mother also had abnormal movements and was recorded to be depressed and attempted suicide. The maternal grandfather had a mental illness and was warded at a mental institution till his death in 1942. Psychiatric presentation of Huntington's Disease in this Malaysian family is prominent and preceded the characteristic movements in the present generation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease / genetics*
  • Huntington Disease / psychology*
  • Malaysia
  • Male
  • Middle Aged