Risperidone and the treatment of psychiatric, motor, and cognitive symptoms in Huntington's disease.

BACKGROUND

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, neuropsychiatric disorder, and limited reports indicate that risperidone might improve motor and psychiatric functioning for these patients.

METHODS

In a retrospective, chart review study to evaluate the effectiveness of risperidone on motor, psychiatric, and cognitive functioning in HD, 17 patients taking risperidone in the course of clinical care and 12 patients not taking any antipsychotic medication were compared across a year.

RESULTS

Patients taking risperidone demonstrated significantly improved psychiatric functioning and motor stabilization, whereas patients not taking risperidone were stable psychiatrically and worsened motorically.

CONCLUSIONS

Although controlled clinical trials are clearly needed, these preliminary results support the use of risperidone in patients with HD in treating their psychiatric and possibly motor symptoms.