Huntington Disease Lighthouse Families

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testing child advice

Posted by eve 
eve
testing child advice
April 21, 2016 06:00AM
My son (who is not a teenager yet) is currently in an inpatient psych unit. The psychiatrist is thinking it might be a good idea to test him to see if he has the HD gene. I agree especially due to medication issues. But I also feel how will this impact his life if it's positive. It probably doesn't make sense to get long-term care insurance for a young kid, does it? Anything other thoughts or advice anyone has would be appreciated.
JFB
Re: testing child advice
April 21, 2016 09:28AM
Please bear in mind my cynical nature when reading my opinion

The treatment of the symptoms would be similar whether the reason is HD or other.
If there is a possibility of HD, then, if there is any difference (and I doubt there is) the medication to treat the HD generated symptoms should be first tried.

I would be concern that if a diagnosis of HD is made, that gives Dr. the excuse not to diligently try to treat the symptoms.
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