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Is There Any Treatment For Tourette Syndrome?

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Posted on Tue, 28 Oct 2014
Question: what causes tourette syndrome and is there any treatment for it?
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Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
yes treatment is there but not curative

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Tourette syndrome's exact cause is not established. Different theories confirm the role of genetic involvement that's why it is in list of inherited disorder.Some brain neurotransmitter abnormality also suggested which is helpful from treatment point of view but in them exact factors unknown.

Environmental, post-infectious, or psychosocial factors can influence its severity but no proven data available.

Depending upon severity of motor or vocal tics of the symptoms, age of the child adolescent or an adult and severity of disturbance in personal, social or occupational life; different types of treatment approach is suggested.

Most cases of Tourette's are mild, and do not require pharmacological treatment instead, psychobehavioral therapy, education, and reassurance may be sufficient.

There is no specific cure for Tourette's and no medication that works universally for all individuals without significant adverse effects.

Knowledge, education and understanding are main aspects of approach.

The management of the symptoms of Tourette's may include
pharmacological, behavioral and psychological therapies.

Pharmacological therapy:
First and second generation antipsychotic medicines including Haloperidol, risperidone,pimozide, ziprasidone are generally used.They have its own side effects.
Sympathetic alfa blocker clonidine is centrally acting is also used to treat tics; studies show variable efficacy, but a lower side effect profile than the antipsychotics.

Infrequently used medicines are tricyclic,SSRI and stimulant depending upon comorbidity.

Medication must be taken under strict supervision of doctor to prevent any hazardous side effects to children.

Behaviour Therapy:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a useful treatment ,particularly when OCD is present and there is increasing evidence supporting the use of habit reversal (HRT) in the treatment of tics.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be glad to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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Is There Any Treatment For Tourette Syndrome?

Brief Answer: yes treatment is there but not curative Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. Tourette syndrome's exact cause is not established. Different theories confirm the role of genetic involvement that's why it is in list of inherited disorder.Some brain neurotransmitter abnormality also suggested which is helpful from treatment point of view but in them exact factors unknown. Environmental, post-infectious, or psychosocial factors can influence its severity but no proven data available. Depending upon severity of motor or vocal tics of the symptoms, age of the child adolescent or an adult and severity of disturbance in personal, social or occupational life; different types of treatment approach is suggested. Most cases of Tourette's are mild, and do not require pharmacological treatment instead, psychobehavioral therapy, education, and reassurance may be sufficient. There is no specific cure for Tourette's and no medication that works universally for all individuals without significant adverse effects. Knowledge, education and understanding are main aspects of approach. The management of the symptoms of Tourette's may include pharmacological, behavioral and psychological therapies. Pharmacological therapy: First and second generation antipsychotic medicines including Haloperidol, risperidone,pimozide, ziprasidone are generally used.They have its own side effects. Sympathetic alfa blocker clonidine is centrally acting is also used to treat tics; studies show variable efficacy, but a lower side effect profile than the antipsychotics. Infrequently used medicines are tricyclic,SSRI and stimulant depending upon comorbidity. Medication must be taken under strict supervision of doctor to prevent any hazardous side effects to children. Behaviour Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a useful treatment ,particularly when OCD is present and there is increasing evidence supporting the use of habit reversal (HRT) in the treatment of tics. Hope I have answered your query, I will be glad to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.