f the existence of the disease. Social and economic consequences of the illness also result. Therefore the victims of the disease also need counselling and support from others.Huntington’s disease is viewed by victim’s families as a socially unacceptable disease and shameful. Therefore, the physician plays a important role in the management of a HD patient. Caring for the patient who is surrounded by family and the community requires heart, medial knowledge and social skills of the physician. There are many places a victim of Huntington’s Disease should go for support including:DoctorsPhysiciansHuntington disease societies (eg. Australian Huntington’s Disease Association)Caring For People With HDhttp://www.kumc.edu/hospital/huntingtons/TreatmentsThere are few treatments available to a sufferer of Huntington’s disease because it is not yet curable. The only ones used now are to lessen the severity of the some symptoms and cannot treat the disease directly. There are two major tranquillisers used:Phenothiazines – these are particularly useful when the patient needs sedation. They are also useful for patients whose abnormal movements are the strongest at nightButyrophenones: Haloperidol is a very useful medication in the control of movements and behavioural changes in HD. However the side effect of drowsiness and depressive moods needs to be monitored carefully.Lithium – Lithium is a drug. It is not useful in the management of abnormal movements. However, it reduces the patient’s degree of irritability. ...
