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.