We examined the possible role of autonomic activity in
Huntington's disease (HD) during a risky decision making task.
Skin conductance responses (SCRs) of 15 HD participants and 16 healthy
controls were measured while they performed a computerized version of
the Simulated Gambling Task (SGT). The results replicated our previous
finding of a performance decrement in HD, and showed that HD was
associated with an altered pattern of SCRs during the risky decision
task. Specifically, the healthy controls produced increased SCRs
following selections from the disadvantageous decks and following
losing selections. In contrast, the SCRs of the HD group did not
differentiate between wins and losses. These findings indicate a
reduced impact of loss on decision-making processes under risky
conditions in HD. (JINS, 2004, 10,
239–245.)