New clinical resources have been developed to help healthcare professionals provide better mental health and cognitive support for people living with Huntington’s disease. The guidance, produced by the Huntington’s Disease Association in collaboration with clinical experts, is intended to address gaps in awareness and specialist knowledge among mental health services.
The new publications include a comprehensive framework covering mental health assessment, treatment and ongoing support for adults with Huntington’s disease. Topics include common psychiatric conditions, assessment of need and decision-making capacity, psychological and pharmacological interventions, admission to mental health services, holistic care and personalised care planning.
The mental health guidance was developed by Dr Sarah Gunn, a specialist in neuropsychology at the University of Leicester and co-lead of the Leicestershire Huntington’s Disease Network, alongside Dr Akshay Nair. Dr Gunn also led the development of accompanying cognition guidelines. Additional resources released as part of the project cover occupational therapy, nutrition, end-of-life care and management of movement disorders.
According to the authors, Huntington’s disease remains a complex and relatively rare condition, meaning many healthcare professionals encounter only a small number of patients during their careers. This can create uncertainty about how best to manage the cognitive, psychiatric and behavioural symptoms that often accompany the disease.
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The guidance emphasises person-centred care rather than a prescriptive treatment approach, encouraging clinicians to tailor interventions to individual needs and circumstances. The documents have been reviewed by people with lived experience of Huntington’s disease and are endorsed by the European Huntington’s Disease Network and the Association of Clinical Psychologists UK.
Dr Gunn said the aim was to provide evidence-based information that would help clinicians feel more confident supporting people affected by the condition. Dr Nair added that earlier recognition and treatment of mental health symptoms could improve care for both patients and their families.
The Huntington’s Disease Association said the resources form part of wider efforts to improve access to specialist support and ensure healthcare professionals are better equipped to address the psychological impact of the disease.
This news item has been summarised using AI and checked by humans before publication.
Sources
Huntington’s Disease Association
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