The Management of Families With Huntington's Chorea: A Case Study to Illustrate Some Recommendations

SUMMARY Too little attention has been paid to the psychosocial and counselling needs of H.C. patients and their families. Conjoint family therapy with an affected family is described to illustrate particular points about H.C. families that should be considered by therapists. It is suggested that therapists make a long term commitment to the family and that they have a full understanding of the disease, its genetic implications and psychosocial consequences. For a variety of reasons conjoint work, including young children and psychotic members, has many advantages. The family dynamics are more easily discovered and, contrary to expectation, young children already exposed to the disease gain relief from open discussion of genetic implications at an appropriate time. The difficulties of engagement, the importance of (a) flexibility of therapeutic approach, (b) liaison work and (c) contact with the extended family are other issues discussed. Note —Names, geographical locations and identifying details have been altered to protect the family.