F X Castellanos1, M T Acosta. 1. Institute of Pediatric Neuroscience, NYU Child Study Center, New York NY 10016-6404, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND METHOD: Tic disorders can be severe enough to be incapacitating, but in most cases the observation of tics should alert the clinician to the possible presence of other conditions that may be more impairing even if less directly observable. The comorbid diagnoses that are best documented are obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of Tourette syndrome combined with ADHD is often challenging. Alpha 2 agonists, such as guanfacine, or non stimulant options such as atomoxetine, where available, are worth considering, although many individuals with Tourette syndrome and ADHD can be successfully treated with judicious doses of stimulant medications.
INTRODUCTION AND METHOD:Tic disorders can be severe enough to be incapacitating, but in most cases the observation of tics should alert the clinician to the possible presence of other conditions that may be more impairing even if less directly observable. The comorbid diagnoses that are best documented are obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of Tourette syndrome combined with ADHD is often challenging. Alpha 2 agonists, such as guanfacine, or non stimulant options such as atomoxetine, where available, are worth considering, although many individuals with Tourette syndrome and ADHD can be successfully treated with judicious doses of stimulant medications.