Abstract

Tourette syndrome (TS) is often accompanied by other symptoms and syndromes. The two best-known co-morbidities are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but also other conditions like rage-attacks, depression, and sleeping disturbances are frequent in persons with TS. Both in clinical cohorts and in population-based cohorts the prevalence of co-morbidities is high. The presence of co-morbid ADHD and/or OCD has an impact on psychosocial, educational, and neuropsychological consequences of TS and it is associated with higher rates of other co-morbid disorders, like rage, anxiety, and conduct disorders. The symptoms of a co-morbid disorder might appear prior to the time that tics reach clinical attention. The TS phenotype probably changes during the course of the disease. The exact aetiology of the co-occurrence of co-morbid disorders and TS is not known, but they probably all are neurotransmitter disorders. European guidelines recommend first-choice pharmacological treatment, but randomised double-blinded trials are needed. Professionals need to be aware of the close relationship between TS and co-morbidities in order to give the patients the right treatment and support.

Highlights

  • Tourette syndrome (TS) is a hereditary, chronic, neurobiological disease, characterized by the presence of motor and vocal tics

  • Professionals need to be aware of the close relationship between TS and co-morbidities in order to give the patients the right treatment and support

  • 70% did not have either of these two major coexisting conditions. These data suggest that TS individuals in the general population, compared with those seen in specialty clinics, may be more likely to have an isolated tic disorder without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a hereditary, chronic, neurobiological disease, characterized by the presence of motor and vocal tics. The prevalence, impact, course, and treatment of co-morbidities as well as the aetiology will be discussed

Prevalence of co-morbidities
Rage attacks
Sleeping disturbances
Depression
Stuttering
Other disorders associated with TS
Prevalence studies
Other co-morbidities
Psychosocial consequences
Neuropsychological consequences
Aetiology of co-morbidities
Course of symptoms
Treatment of co-morbidities
Conclusion
Co-morbid OCD

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.