A Measure of Functional Impairment in Youth with Tourette's Syndrome

Overview

Journal J Pediatr Psychol

Publisher Oxford University Press

Date 2007 May 25

PMID 17522110

Citations 57

Authors

Eric A Storch

Caleb W Lack

Laura E Simons

Wayne K Goodman

Tanya K Murphy

Gary R Geffken

Affiliations

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Abstract

Objective: Tourette's Syndrome (TS) during childhood is linked to varied behavioral and psychological difficulties and functional impairment. The current study was undertaken to examine both tic-related impairment and impairment from other psychological problems in 59 youth (mean age 11.4 years, 69% male) with TS.

Methods: Caretakers completed a checklist about the impact of tics and other psychological difficulties on family, school, and social functioning. In addition, a clinician administered a measure of tic severity to families.

Results: Over half of the sample reported one significant problem area due to the presence of tics, with over a third reporting two or more problem areas. Problems were heterogeneous in nature, with no report of a particular problem area in more than 25% of the children. The rate of nontic-related impairment was very high, with 70% of parents reporting at least one problem area.

Conclusions: Treating both tic and nontic-related impairments concurrently may improve functioning more so than treating the symptoms separately.

Citing Articles

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Family functioning mediation in tic severity and quality of life for children with Tourette syndrome.

Hu S, Li Y, Yang Q, Yang K, Jun J, Cui Y World J Psychiatry. 2024; 14(11):1641-1651.

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Predictors of Impairment and Self-Concept in Children and Adolescents with Persistent Tic Disorder.

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Tackle your Tics, a brief intensive group-based exposure treatment for young people with tics: results of a randomised controlled trial.

Heijerman-Holtgrefe A, Huyser C, Bus M, Beljaars L, van de Griendt J, Verdellen C Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 33(11):3805-3818.

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The Association of Quality of Life with Psychosocial Factors in Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome.

Watson K, Eckland M, Schwartzman J, Molnar A, Boon W, Hiller M Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2024; .

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