Problems of differential diagnostics of Huntington’s disease and schizophrenia (clinical case)

Background. Huntington's disease (HD) is an orphan disease with an average prevalence of 5.5 per 100 thousand population worldwide, characterized by an autosomal dominant type of inheritance, complete penetrance and a steadily progressive course with subsequent disability. The clinical picture of HD is described by a triad, which includes movement disorders, cognitive impairment and psychopathological symptoms. Diagnosis of the onset of HD often causes significant difficulties, since in many patients mental disorders can precede motor disorders. In this case, the likelihood of erroneous diagnosis of an endogenous disease, in particular schizophrenia, increases.