Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in Huntington's Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Karen Anderson, David Craufurd, Mary C. Edmondson, Nathan Goodman, Mark Groves, Erik van Duijn, Daniel P. van Kammen, LaVonne Goodman
Primary Institution: University of Maryland, School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the best pharmacologic treatments for obsessive-compulsive behaviors in Huntington's disease?
Conclusion
Experts agree that SSRIs are the first choice for treating obsessive-compulsive behaviors in Huntington's disease, with clomipramine as a second option.
Supporting Evidence
- SSRIs were endorsed as the first choice for treating obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
- Clomipramine was also considered effective by many experts.
- Behavioral interventions were recommended for patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Takeaway
Doctors think that certain medicines can help people with Huntington's disease who have trouble with obsessive thoughts and actions. The best choices are usually a type of medicine called SSRIs.
Methodology
An international survey was conducted among experts in Huntington's disease to gather opinions on the treatment of obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias and influence from the order of medication presentation in the survey.
Limitations
The survey results are based on expert opinion rather than systematic evidence, and the selection of experts was not random.
Participant Demographics
49 expert clinicians, primarily neurologists and psychiatrists, from Europe, North America, and Australia.
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