Table of Contents What is Tourette Syndrome? Tourette Syndrome Symptoms How are tics classified? Can people with TS control their tics? What causes Tourette Syndrome? Tourette Syndrome - Associated Disorders How is Tourette Syndrome diagnosed? How is Tourette Syndrome treated? Is Tourette Syndrome inherited? Tourette Syndrome Prognosis Tourette Syndrome - Educational Setting Tourette Syndrome Research Keeping on Top of Your Condition

Tourette Syndrome Treatment

Because symptoms do not impair most patients and development usually proceeds normally, the majority of people with TS require no medication. However, medications are available to help when symptoms interfere with functioning. Unfortunately, there is no one medication that is helpful to all persons with Tourette Syndrome, nor does any medication completely eliminate symptoms; in addition, all medications have side effects. Instead, the available Tourette Syndrome medications are only able to help reduce specific symptoms.

Some patients who require medication to reduce the frequency and intensity of the tic symptoms may be treated with neuroleptic drugs such as haloperidol and pimozide. These medications are usually given in very small doses that are increased slowly until the best possible balance between symptoms and side effects is achieved.

Recently scientists have discovered that long-term use of neuroleptic drugs may cause an involuntary movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. However, this condition usually disappears when medication is discontinued. Short-term side effects of haloperidol and pimozide include muscular rigidity, drooling, tremor, lack of facial expression, slow movement, and restlessness. These side effects can be reduced by drugs commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease. Other side effects such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, weight gain, and difficulties in thinking clearly may be more troublesome.

Clonidine, an antihypertensive drug, is also used in the treatment of tics. Studies show that it is more effective in reducing motor tics than reducing vocal tics. Fatigue, dry mouth, irritability, dizziness, headache, and insomnia are common side effects associated with clonidine use. Fluphenazine and clonazepam may also be prescribed to help control tic symptoms.

Medications are also available to treat some of the associated behavioral disorders. Stimulants such as methyphenidate, pemoline, and dextroamphetamine, usually prescribed for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders, although somewhat effective, have also been reported to increase tics; therefore their use is controversial. For obsessive compulsive behaviors that significantly disrupt daily functioning, fluoxetine, clomipramine, sertraline, and paroxetine may be prescribed.

Other types of therapy may also be helpful. Although psychological problems do not cause Tourette Syndrome, psychotherapy may help the person better cope with the disorder and deal with the secondary social and emotional problems that sometimes occur. Psychotherapy does not help suppress the patient's tics.

Relaxation techniques and biofeedback may be useful in alleviating stress which can lead to an increase in tic symptoms.