Abstract
Thirty-four of 170 surveyed individuals with Tourette's syndrome (TS) were treated with CNS stimulants before age 18. In 24% of treated individuals, persistent exacerbation of tics was closely associated with treatment. In 3%, tic response was transient, and in 24%, tics were not obviously associated with treatment. Six pairs of monozygotic twins were discordant for stimulant treatment, and all untreated co-twins also developed TS. The number of individuals in whom stimulants permanently exacerbate tics may be small, but the risk appears to be real. Genetic vulnerability and duration and timing of treatment may mediate response.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
-
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
-
Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
-
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications
-
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy
-
Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects*
-
Child
-
Child, Preschool
-
Female
-
Haloperidol / therapeutic use
-
Humans
-
Male
-
Tic Disorders / complications
-
Tic Disorders / etiology
-
Tic Disorders / genetics*
-
Time Factors
-
Tourette Syndrome / complications
-
Tourette Syndrome / etiology
-
Tourette Syndrome / genetics*
-
Twins*
-
Twins, Dizygotic*
-
Twins, Monozygotic*
Substances
-
Antipsychotic Agents
-
Central Nervous System Stimulants
-
Haloperidol