An Overview of the Treatment of Tourette's Disorder and Tics

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to review the efficacy of various treatments for Tourette's disorder (TD) and tics. Method: This study is a historical review of the treatment modalities prior to the advent of neuroleptics. A review of doubleblind and placebo-controlled clinical trials and open studies on the use of neuroleptics and selected reports was also carried out. Results: The literature review reveals that the treatment of TD and tics has evolved from an early history of marginally effective approaches to the advent of neuroleptics, which started a new era in TD and tic treatment, with a significantly broader range of effectiveness. Conclusions: Although progress has been made, the literature review nevertheless reveals a great deal of confusion as related to the clinical heterogeneity of TD and tics, differences in populations, medication-dose combinations, and outcomes. However, a role for a limited number of pharmacologic agents, combined with psychosocial approaches, has been identified. There is a need for studies in larger, diagnostically homogenous samples and for the use of more sophisticated methodology, to identify intelligible models that would allow the development of more effective treatment approaches.

Update on the role of antipsychotics in the treatment of Tourette syndrome

“…The first report on its empirical use in TS concerned an adult who had already undergone a frontal lobectomy 14. Haloperidol was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult TS patients in 1969 and for children in 1978 15. Due to its strong blocking effect on D 2 receptors, tic reductions of 78%–91% at a maximum dosage of 10 mg have been estimated 16,17.…”

Tic disorders in the differential diagnosis of chronic cough in children in relation to four cases

“…(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). The most commonly used drugs in clinical practice is dopamin receptor antagonists (antipsychotic agents) (10).…”

A primer for the treatment of tic disorders in youth

“…In particular, readers may look to the Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Tic Disorders (Murphy et al, 2013), the European guidelines for treatment (Roessner et al, 2011; Verdellen et al, 2011), and the Canadian guidelines for treatment (Pringsheim et al, 2012; Steeves et al, 2012), as well as a number of other reviews (e.g., Parraga et al, 2010; Selles et al, 2013; Weisman et al, 2013) for additional information.…”