Tics and Tourette’s Disorder: What’s New?

Although many children experience attenuation of tics by mid to late adolescence, some have continued tics and many have continued comorbid symptoms which reduce quality of life. Treatment options include both behavioral and psychopharmacologic interventions, but both types of treatments can be problematic. New pharmacological options, including VMAT2 inhibitors and a D1 dopamine antagonist, have recently been tested and may add to the therapeutic armamentarium. Guidelines for evaluation and treatment of youth with tic disorders and Tourette’s disorder based on the latest research will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

1) Comprehensively evaluate children and adolescents with tics, Tourette’s disorder and psychiatric comorbid disorders

2) Interpret results of recent clinical trials in Tourette’s disorder

3) Integrate and apply updated treatment recommendations in clinical practice