I’m Uncomfortable, You’re Uncomfortable, We’re Uncomfortable: An Integrative Family Approach to the Treatment of Tourette’s Disorder and Separation Anxiety Disorder in a Young Child

Abstract

This case study follows a 6-year old Caucasian Hispanic male who presented with symptoms of Tourette’s disorder and separation anxiety disorder. Given the young age of the child, a critical focus was placed on parental involvement and parental mastery of the treatment components within an attachment-focused conceptualization as the foundation for all treatment delivery. To address all issues presented by the family of this young child, a behavioral treatment was utilized to target symptoms of Tourette’s disorder, and components of cognitive-behavioral therapy were used to address symptoms associated with separation anxiety disorder (in the young child). Further, components of an attachment-based parenting program, Circle of Security–Parenting, were inserted throughout treatment to keep this young child’s parents in tune with their relationship with their young child. Following completion of treatment, this young child displayed significant decreases in his symptoms across both disorders. Further, this young child and his parents demonstrated a mastery of treatment concepts and coping skills. The family reported both qualitative and quantitative improvements in the young child’s overall emotional and behavioral functioning. This study displayed the effectiveness of an integrative family-based approach in the treatment of a young child with symptoms of both Tourette’s disorder and separation anxiety disorder.