Huntington's Chorea: Some Psychodynamics seen in those at Risk and in the Responses of the Helping Professions

Abstract

The autosomal dominant mode of inheritance of Huntington's Chorea (HC) has been established for over 100 years. Strong psychological defences against the acceptance of this knowledge are commonly found both in professionals and in Huntington families and relatives who are at risk. One consequence of maintaining these defences is the continuing transmission of the gene, and therefore the disease, to succeeding generations. The defences of professional persons protect them from the difficult and unsettling task of providing genetic counselling to healthy relatives at risk. An increase in awareness of the psychodynamics involved may lead to constructive thinking about the current deficiencies in care and counselling services provided for these families.