title: Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. Diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment.
abstract: In this report, we discuss the definition, characteristics, pathophysiology, and treatment of tic disorders with a major emphasis on Tourette syndrome. Although the diagnosis of a tic disorder depends on the presence of motor and/or phonic tic(s), patients with these problems also have a variety of co-morbid features including obsessive-compulsive symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral difficulties, and learning disabilities. Conservative estimates for Tourette syndrome suggest a prevalence rate of 0.1-1.0 per 1000. This syndrome is inherited in a sex-influenced autosomal dominant pattern with either chronic multiple tic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder as alternative phenotypes of the putative gene. Current evidence continues to support a pathophysiologic mechanism involving synaptic neurotransmission, with the dopaminergic system as a primary candidate. Therapeutically, it is essential to clarify whether a patient's problems are related to tics or associated behavioral difficulties. Pharmacotherapy for motor and phonic tics is strictly symptomatic and should be reserved for those with functionally disabling symptoms. A comprehensive individualized treatment program is often required in the care of individuals with tic disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Walkup
mesh_terms: D001519:Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009462:Neurology / Q000639:trends; D013981:Tic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy