Social perspectives in Huntington's chorea.

The social implications of Huntington's chorea are serious and far-reaching, affecting all members of the family and the community as a whole. The relativly common occurrence of suicide and of major and minor crimes are cause for concern. The disease imposes a significant economic burden on both the family and society. The minimum direct cost to the state of a single affected prson with Huntington's chorea in South Africa is estimated at R23 000.