Mental disorder associated with hepatolenticular degeneration

Hepatolenticular degeneration is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by decreased levels of ceruloplasmin (a copper-binding enzyme) in plasma. Because it was first reported by Wilson in 1912, it is also called Wilson's disease. This disease is caused by impaired copper metabolism in the body, leading to pathological changes in the liver, brain, and other tissues. Clinical features include extrapyramidal symptoms, liver damage, and characteristic corneal pigment rings, often accompanied by varying degrees of mental disorders. The age of onset ranges from adolescence to adulthood, with about half of patients aged 20-30 years. Because psychiatric symptoms are often associated, it is easily misdiagnosed as primary mental disorder. The disease progresses continuously, and the prognosis is generally poor.