Depression in Huntington's disease

Abstract

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant hereditary process characterized by chorea, psychiatric disorders and dementia; depression may precede motor symptoms by years and the risk of suicide is five to seven times higher than in the general population. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman with depression associated with HD who is admitted to a psychiatric unit for irritability, insomnia, a tendency to stay in bed, suicide attempts and no awareness of illness. After assessment according to Marjory Gordon’s functional health patterns, a care plan was developed with the NANDA, NOC and NIC taxonomies that addressed ineffective denial, anxiety, chronic sorrow, insomnia, social isolation, risk of suicide, risk of aspiration and risk of injury. During the four months of admission, with pharmacological treatment and individual and group activities, and evaluation of the indicators at admission, at two months and at discharge, the proposed objectives were achieved, proceeding to home discharge with continuity of care at the mental health centre.