14. Emotional Disturbances: The Emotional Whirlwind of Juvenile Huntington’s Disease
Children suffering from JHD often undergo emotional disturbances that can be quite challenging for them and their families. These disturbances might present as frequent mood swings, feelings of irritability, episodes of depression, or increased sensitivity to stress. Emotional symptoms like these are particularly tricky because they’re often invisible, making it easy for others to overlook them or mistake them for typical ‘childhood phases.’
The reason behind these emotional disturbances lies in JHD’s impact on the brain’s emotional regulation areas. The culprit, the mutant huntingtin protein, not only affects motor control and cognition but also interferes with emotional control. This interference can make the child more emotionally volatile and less equipped to manage their emotions in a socially appropriate manner.
Living with these emotional disturbances can be quite taxing for the child. They might feel like they’re on an emotional roller coaster, with their mood constantly shifting without apparent reason.
It can be confusing and scary, making them feel out of control. It can also put a strain on their relationships, as their loved ones may struggle to understand and cope with these emotional changes. (14)
