Behavior Therapy for Tics and Tic Disorders

Abstract

Although Tourette's syndrome and related tic disorders have been historically managed with pharmacotherapy, behavior therapy presents an evidence-based alternative that yields moderate-to-large treatment effects. This article provides an overview of behavior therapy for tics and Tourette's syndrome, reviews the empirical support for behavior therapy in the management of tic symptoms, and discusses common clinician misperceptions regarding behavior therapy for tics. The article concludes with a discussion on the challenges of using behavior therapy to manage tic symptoms, and presents possible solutions. [ Psychiatr Ann. 2017;47(11):559–563.]