Valsamma Eapen1, Tim Usherwood2. 1. MBBS, PhD, FRCPsych, FRANZCP, Chair, Infant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW; Head, Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South West Sydney (AUCS), NSW; Stream Director, Early Life Determinants of Health, Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE), NSW; Director, Program 1, Co-operative Research Centre for Autism (CRC), Qld; Director, BestSTART-SW (Systems Transformation and Research Translation @ South West Sydney) Academic Unit, NSW. 2. Tim Usherwood BSc, MBBS, MD (Res), DMS, FRCP, FRCGP, FRACGP, FAICD, Head, Westmead Clinical School, The University Of Sydney, NSW; Professor of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW; Honorary Professorial Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS), characterised by motor and vocal tics, has a prevalence of approximately 1% in school-aged children. Commonly encountered comorbidities of GTS include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive behaviour/disorder (OCB/OCD). Genetic factors play an important part in the aetiology of GTS, and family members may exhibit tics or related disorders such as ADHD, OCB or OCD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to present a summary of the current evidence to assist the assessment and management of GTS in primary care. DISCUSSION: A comprehensive assessment should include exploration of not only tics but also associated features and comorbidities. The stigmatising and impairing nature of tics can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the young person and their parents/carers, as well as on family functioning. Management includes education and explanation, behavioural treatments and (sometimes) medication.
BACKGROUND:Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS), characterised by motor and vocal tics, has a prevalence of approximately 1% in school-aged children. Commonly encountered comorbidities of GTS include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive behaviour/disorder (OCB/OCD). Genetic factors play an important part in the aetiology of GTS, and family members may exhibit tics or related disorders such as ADHD, OCB or OCD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to present a summary of the current evidence to assist the assessment and management of GTS in primary care. DISCUSSION: A comprehensive assessment should include exploration of not only tics but also associated features and comorbidities. The stigmatising and impairing nature of tics can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the young person and their parents/carers, as well as on family functioning. Management includes education and explanation, behavioural treatments and (sometimes) medication.