Tourette syndrome and employment: Descriptors, predictors, and problems.

Social Deficits and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Tourette’s Syndrome

“…This finding is consistent with an earlier study reporting low marriage rates in adults with TS [70]. Further, Shady et al [68] found that adults with TS reported significant interpersonal problems in the workplace, including experiencing ridicule by coworkers and/or employers about their tics, low job satisfaction, and discrimination in the workplace [68]. More recently, Conelea et al [71] conducted an Internet-based survey of 1216 adults with TS to assess the impact of tics on functioning, finding that a significant portion of the sample reported avoidance of social situations and/or experienced discrimination due to their tics.…”

“…Previous research suggests that social deficits in youth with TS may carry over into adulthood as well [68][69][70]. In a survey-based assessment of social functioning in individuals with TS, Champion, Fulton, and Shady [69] found that almost half of the adults within their total sample (N=210) reported significant problems with dating as a result of their TS symptoms.…”

The roles of anxiety and depression in connecting tic severity and functional impairment

“…In a sample of 90 adults, higher tic severity was associated with lower QOL and social functioning in adults (Elstner, Selai, Trimble, & Robertson, 2001), and, in one of the larger studies to date, 19% of 180 adults with CTD reported the presence of severe interference with familial, peer, and other social relationships (Altman, Staley, & Wener, 2009). Other research has found that adults with CTD have higher unemployment rates, decreased job satisfaction, lower income, diminished employment success, and lower QOL in comparison to individuals without a CTD (Bruun & Budman, 1992;Elstner et al, 2001;Meyers, 1988;Robertson, Trimble, & Lees, 1988;Shady, Broder, Staley, Furer, & Brezden-Papadopolos, 1995). Although estimates of tic-related impairment vary, data suggests that 88% of 99 individuals (ages 15-25) with tics to perceive functional interference (Erenberg, Cruse, & Rothner, 1987).…”

Developmental and Behavioral Disorders Grown Up: Tourette's Disorder

“…117 A longitudinal study found early social or educational dysfunction correlates with later adult dysfunction in employment, alcohol abuse, or criminal activity, unrelated to tic severity. 28 The investigator proposes that early assertive intervention in childhood may mediate a more propitious adult outcome.…”