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Lamanna J, Mazzoleni R, Farina R, Ferro M, Galentino R, Porta M, Malgaroli A. An Observational Longitudinal Study on Seasonal Variations in Tourette Syndrome: Evidence for a Role of Ambient Temperature in Tic Exacerbation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1668. [PMID: 39200133 PMCID: PMC11351247 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a high-incidence neurobehavioral disorder that generally begins in childhood. Several factors play a role in its etiology, including genetic influence and auto-immune activation by streptococcal infections. In general, symptoms subside after the end of adolescence, but, in a significant number of patients, they remain in adulthood. In this study, we evaluated temporal variations in the two core clinical features of TS including tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. An observational longitudinal study lasting 15 months (2017-2019) was conducted on a cohort of 24 people recruited in Milan (Italy) who were diagnosed with a subtype of TS known as obsessive-compulsive tic disorder. Inclusion criteria included a global score of the Yale global tic severity scale (Y-GTSS) > 50, a Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) global score > 15, and TS onset at least one year prior. Y-GTSS and Y-BOCS data were acquired at six time points, together with local environmental data. Tics, but not OCD symptoms, were found to be more severe in spring and summer compared with winter and autumn (p < 0.001). Changes in tics displayed an appreciable oscillation pattern in the same subject and also a clear synchrony among different subjects, indicating an external orchestrating factor. Ambient temperature showed a significant correlation with Y-GTSS measurements (p < 0.001). We argue that the increase in tics observed during hot seasons can be related to increasing ambient temperature. We believe that our results can shed light on the seasonal dynamics of TS symptomatology and provide clues for preventing their worsening over the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Lamanna
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (J.L.); (R.M.); (M.F.)
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Mazzoleni
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (J.L.); (R.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Ramona Farina
- Tourette Center, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, 20157 Milan, Italy; (R.F.); (R.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Mattia Ferro
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (J.L.); (R.M.); (M.F.)
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud Private University, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Galentino
- Tourette Center, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, 20157 Milan, Italy; (R.F.); (R.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Mauro Porta
- Tourette Center, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, 20157 Milan, Italy; (R.F.); (R.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (J.L.); (R.M.); (M.F.)
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Center Tourette Syndrome, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20127 Milan, Italy
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Branca C, Bortolato M. The role of neuroactive steroids in tic disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 160:105637. [PMID: 38519023 PMCID: PMC11121756 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or vocalizations. Tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome (TS), are contributed by the interplay of genetic risk factors and environmental variables, leading to abnormalities in the functioning of the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuitry. Various neurotransmitter systems, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine, are implicated in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Building on the evidence that tic disorders are predominant in males and exacerbated by stress, emerging research is focusing on the involvement of neuroactive steroids, including dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and allopregnanolone, in the ontogeny of tics and other phenotypes associated with TS. Emerging evidence indicates that DHEAS levels are significantly elevated in the plasma of TS-affected boys, and the clinical onset of this disorder coincides with the period of adrenarche, the developmental stage characterized by a surge in DHEAS synthesis. On the other hand, allopregnanolone has garnered particular attention for its potential to mediate the adverse effects of acute stress on the exacerbation of tic severity and frequency. Notably, both neurosteroids act as key modulators of GABA-A receptors, suggesting a pivotal role of these targets in the pathophysiology of various clinical manifestations of tic disorders. This review explores the potential mechanisms by which these and other neuroactive steroids may influence tic disorders and discusses the emerging therapeutic strategies that target neuroactive steroids for the management of tic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Branca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Brierley MEE, Albertella L, do Rosário MC, Ferrão YA, Miguel EC, Fontenelle LF. How do daily routines and situational factors affect the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder? J Psychiatr Res 2021; 143:395-399. [PMID: 34600268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily routine and situations may worsen, stabilise, or improve symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We investigated which factors OCD patients perceived to be related to the worsening of their OCD symptoms and their relationship to patients' OCD symptom severity. METHODS Seven-hundred and forty-two OCD patients completed the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale as a measure of OCD symptom severity and the Yale OCD Natural History Questionnaire assessing perception of impact of environmental and routine factors on symptoms. We conducted univariate exploratory analyses and a multivariate regression. RESULTS Reporting of worsening OCD symptoms when having a meal (B = 0.093, p = 0.008), during hot weather (B = 0.153, p < 0.001) and while watching television (B = 0.080, p = 0.039) was associated with more severe OCD symptoms. CONCLUSION People with more severe OCD report symptom worsening while having a meal, when exposed to higher temperatures, and whilst watching television. While our study may be limited by its cross-sectional design (limiting inferences of causality) and analysis of broad (rather than specific) OCD symptoms, our findings point to a potential common biological abnormality that is disturbed by certain events in OCD. We present clinical implications of our findings and areas for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Ellen E Brierley
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lucy Albertella
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Ygor A Ferrão
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo F Fontenelle
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Bundo M, de Schrijver E, Federspiel A, Toreti A, Xoplaki E, Luterbacher J, Franco OH, Müller T, Vicedo-Cabrera AM. Ambient temperature and mental health hospitalizations in Bern, Switzerland: A 45-year time-series study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258302. [PMID: 34637463 PMCID: PMC8509878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders constitute a major public health concern that are associated with substantial health and socioeconomic burden. Psychiatric patients may be more vulnerable to high temperatures, which under current climate change projections will most likely increase the burden of this public health concern. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the short-term association between ambient temperature and mental health hospitalizations in Bern, Switzerland. METHODS Daily hospitalizations for mental disorders between 1973 and 2017 were collected from the University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Bern. Population-weighted daily mean ambient temperatures were derived for the catchment area of the hospital from 2.3-km gridded weather maps. Conditional quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag linear models were applied to assess the association up to three days after the exposure. Stratified analyses were conducted by age, sex, and subdiagnosis, and by subperiods (1973-1989 and 1990-2017). Additional subanalyses were performed to assess whether larger risks were found during the warm season or were due to heatwaves. RESULTS The study included a total number of 88,996 hospitalizations. Overall, the hospitalization risk increased linearly by 4.0% (95% CI 2.0%, 7.0%) for every 10°C increase in mean daily temperature. No evidence of a nonlinear association or larger risks during the warm season or heatwaves was found. Similar estimates were found across for all sex and age categories, and larger risks were found for hospitalizations related to developmental disorders (29.0%; 95% CI 9.0%, 54.0%), schizophrenia (10.0%; 95% CI 4.0%, 15.0%), and for the later rather than the earlier period (5.0%; 95% CI 2.0%, 8.0% vs. 2.0%; 95% CI -3.0%, 8.0%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that increasing temperatures could negatively affect mental status in psychiatric patients. Specific public health policies are urgently needed to protect this vulnerable population from the effects of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Bundo
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Evan de Schrijver
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Federspiel
- Translational Research Center (TRC), University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Toreti
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | - Elena Xoplaki
- Department of Geography, Climatology, Climate Dynamics and Climate Change, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jürg Luterbacher
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Science and Innovation Department, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oscar H. Franco
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Müller
- Translational Research Center (TRC), University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Privatclinic Meiringen, Meiringen, Switzerland
| | - Ana M. Vicedo-Cabrera
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Vitale JA, Briguglio M, Galentino R, Dell'Osso B, Malgaroli A, Banfi G, Porta M. Exploring circannual rhythms and chronotype effect in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Tic Disorder (OCTD): A pilot study. J Affect Disord 2020; 262:286-292. [PMID: 31733921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to test, through a chronobiologic approach, the existence of a significant circannual rhythm of tics and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Tic Disorder (OCTD). The chronotype effect on tics and OC symptoms during seasons was also studied. METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of OCTD (N = 37; mean age = 18.78 ± 8.61) underwent four clinical evaluations: Winter (WIN), Spring (SPR), Summer (SUM) and Autumn (AUT). Tics were evaluated through Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and OC symptoms through Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Patients' chronotype was assessed by the Horne-Ostberg morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), which categorizes subjects according to the individuals'chronotype, being morning-type, evening-type, and neither-type. RESULTS A statistically significant circannual rhythm was observed for OC symptoms (p = 0.007), with the acrophase occurring between AUT and WIN. Y-BOCS differed along the year (p = 0.0003 and η2p = 0.40) with lower results in SUM compared to WIN (p < 0.05) and AUT (p < 0.01). Tics displayed no circannual rhythm and YGTSS scores were comparable among seasons. Patients were classified as 15 morning-types (40.5%) 15 neither-types (40.5%) and 7 evening-types (19.0%). YGTSS data were similar for all chronotypes while Y-BOCS results were greater during SUM in evening-types than morning-type patients (p < 0.05; 15.7 ± 5.2 vs 3.4 ± 6.0). LIMITATIONS It is essential to investigate the existence of tics and OC symptoms circannual rhythms over the course of more than one year with a larger sample. CONCLUSIONS OC symptoms displayed a significant circannual rhythm and were influenced by patients' chronotype. On the contrary, tics resulted similar among seasons and chronotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo A Vitale
- IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Laboratory of Movement and Sport Science, 20161, Milan, Italy.
| | - Matteo Briguglio
- IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Scientific Direction, Via Riccardo Galeazzi, 4 20161, Milan, MI, Italy.
| | - Roberta Galentino
- IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Tourette's Syndrome and Movement Disorders Centre, 20161, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy; Stanford University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, CA 94305-5717, USA.
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Neurobiology of Learning Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Banfi
- IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Scientific Direction, Via Riccardo Galeazzi, 4 20161, Milan, MI, Italy.
| | - Mauro Porta
- IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Tourette's Syndrome and Movement Disorders Centre, 20161, Milan, Italy
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Robert Brašić J, Mari Z, Lerner A, Raymont V, Zaidi E, Wong DF. Remission of Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome after Heat-Induced Dehydration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 6. [PMID: 30090843 PMCID: PMC6078428 DOI: 10.4172/2329-9096.1000472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Heat has been reported to exert variable effects on people with Gilles de
la Tourette syndrome (TS). At age 24 years, a 32-year-old right-handed man with
TS experienced a marked reduction in tics for two years after undergoing
dehydration by entering a hot tub at 103°F (39.4°C) to
104°F (40.0°C) for 3 to 4 hours. On the Yale Global Tic Severity
Scale (YGTSS) he scored 55 seven months before dehydration and 13 one month
after dehydration. An intense heat exposure and dehydration led to an apparent
remission in tics. The remission continued without the use of prescribed or
nonprescribed medications or substances for two years until tics returned in the
worst ever exacerbation after a tetanus immunization. The heat exposure may have
altered at least temporarily his thermostat for normal heat-loss mechanisms
through dopaminergic pathways from the anterior hypothalamus to the basal
ganglia and the substantia nigra. Whether or not that mechanism or some other
mechanism relevant to the heat exposure and/or dehydration is at play, the
sudden and marked improvement in his tics needs further attention. Prospective
testing of the heat and dehydration effect on tics should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Robert Brašić
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zoltan Mari
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alicja Lerner
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Vanessa Raymont
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eram Zaidi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dean F Wong
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by several motor and phonic tics. Tics usually develop before 10 years of age, exhibit a waxing and waning course and typically improve with increasing age. A prevalence of approximately 1% is estimated in children and adolescents. The condition can result in considerable social stigma and poor quality of life, especially when tics are severe (for example, with coprolalia (swearing tics) and self-injurious behaviours) or when GTS is accompanied by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or another neuropsychiatric disorder. The aetiology is complex and multifactorial. GTS is considered to be polygenic, involving multiple common risk variants combined with rare, inherited or de novo mutations. These as well as non-genetic factors (such as perinatal events and immunological factors) are likely to contribute to the heterogeneity of the clinical phenotype, the structural and functional brain anomalies and the neural circuitry involvement. Management usually includes psychoeducation and reassurance, behavioural methods, pharmacotherapy and, rarely, functional neurosurgery. Future research that integrates clinical and neurobiological data, including neuroimaging and genetics, is expected to reveal the pathogenesis of GTS at the neural circuit level, which may lead to targeted interventions.
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Buse J, Enghardt S, Kirschbaum C, Ehrlich S, Roessner V. Tic Frequency Decreases during Short-term Psychosocial Stress - An Experimental Study on Children with Tic Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:84. [PMID: 27242554 PMCID: PMC4868996 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that psychosocial stress influences situational fluctuations of tic frequency. However, evidence from experimental studies is lacking. The current study investigated the effects of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST-C) on tic frequency in 31 children and adolescents with tic disorders. A relaxation and a concentration situation served as control conditions. Patients were asked either to suppress their tics or to "tic freely." Physiological measures of stress were measured throughout the experiment. The TSST-C elicited a clear stress response with elevated levels of saliva cortisol, increased heart rate, and a larger number of skin conductance responses. During relaxation and concentration, the instruction to suppress tics reduced the number of tics, whereas during stress, the number of tics was low, regardless of the given instruction. Our study suggests that the stress might result in a situational decrease of tic frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Buse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Stephanie Enghardt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany
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Conelea CA, Ramanujam K, Walther MR, Freeman JB, Garcia AM. Is There a Relationship Between Tic Frequency and Physiological Arousal? Examination in a Sample of Children With Co-Occurring Tic and Anxiety Disorders. Behav Modif 2014; 38:217-34. [PMID: 24662238 DOI: 10.1177/0145445514528239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stress is the contextual variable most commonly implicated in tic exacerbations. However, research examining associations between tics, stressors, and the biological stress response has yielded mixed results. This study examined whether tics occur at a greater frequency during discrete periods of heightened physiological arousal. Children with co-occurring tic and anxiety disorders (n = 8) completed two stress-induction tasks (discussion of family conflict, public speech). Observational (tic frequencies) and physiological (heart rate [HR]) data were synchronized using The Observer XT, and tic frequencies were compared across periods of high and low HR. Tic frequencies across the entire experiment did not increase during periods of higher HR. During the speech task, tic frequencies were significantly lower during periods of higher HR. Results suggest that tic exacerbations may not be associated with heightened physiological arousal and highlight the need for further tic research using integrated measurement of behavioral and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Abbe M Garcia
- Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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10
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Buse J, Kirschbaum C, Leckman JF, Münchau A, Roessner V. The Modulating Role of Stress in the Onset and Course of Tourette’s Syndrome. Behav Modif 2014; 38:184-216. [DOI: 10.1177/0145445514522056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating data indicate a common occurrence of tic exacerbations and periods of psychosocial stress. Patients with Tourette’s syndrome (TS) also exhibit aberrant markers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. Based on these findings, a functional relationship between stress and tic disorders has been suggested, but the underlying mechanism of how stress may affect tic pathology remains to be elucidated. We suggest that dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission as well as immunology play a crucial role in mediating this relationship. Two possibilities of causal direction might be assumed: (a) psychosocial stress might lead to an exacerbation of tics via activation of HPA axis and subsequent changes in neurotransmission or immunology and (b) TS-related abnormalities in neurotransmission or immunology result in a higher vulnerability of affected patients to respond to psychosocial stress with a strong activation of the HPA axis. It may also be the case that both assumptions hold true and interact with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Buse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Institute of Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden
| | - James F. Leckman
- Child Study Center and Departments of Paediatrics, Psychiatry, and Psychology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Department of Pediatric and Adult Movement Disorders and Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
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Martino D, Macerollo A, Leckman JF. Neuroendocrine aspects of Tourette syndrome. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 112:239-79. [PMID: 24295624 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411546-0.00009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is sparse evidence suggesting the participation of neuroendocrine mechanisms, mainly involving sex and stress steroid hormones, to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Tourette syndrome (TS) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Patients with TS exhibit a sex-specific variability in gender distribution (male/female ratio=3-4/1) and in its natural history, with a severity peak in the period around puberty. The administration of exogenous androgens may worsen tics in males with TS, whereas drugs counteracting the action of testosterone might show some antitic efficacy. This suggests a higher susceptibility of patients with TS to androgen steroids. There are insufficient data on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in TS. However, preliminary evidence suggests that a subgroup of women with TS might be more sensitive to the premenstrual trough of estrogen levels. Patients with TS exhibit differences in a number of behavioral, cognitive, and anatomical traits that appear to be sex related. There is a body of evidence supporting, albeit indirectly, the hypothesis of an increased exposure to androgenic steroids during the very early phases of neural development. Animal models in rodents suggest a complex role of gonadal hormones upon the modulation of anxiety-related and stereotyped behaviors during adult life. Patients with TS exhibit an enhanced reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to external stressors, despite a preserved diurnal cortisol rhythm and a normal restoration of the baseline activity of the axis following the acute stress response. Preliminary evidence suggests the possible implication of oxytocin (OT) in disorders related to the TS spectrum, especially non-tic-related OCD. The injection of OT in the amygdala of rodents was shown to be able to induce hypergrooming, suggesting the possible involvement of this neuropeptide in the pathophysiology of complex, stereotyped behaviors. In contrast, there is anecdotal clinical evidence that tics improve following periods of affectionate touch and sexual intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Martino
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom; King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
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12
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Conelea CA, Woods DW, Brandt BC. The impact of a stress induction task on tic frequencies in youth with Tourette Syndrome. Behav Res Ther 2011; 49:492-7. [PMID: 21658680 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2011.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Revised: 04/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Tic fluctuations are common and thought to be attributable in part, to contextual variables. Stress is one such variable, but its effects and mechanism of action are poorly understood. The current study measured the effects of a stress induction task on tic frequencies during periods of suppression and non-suppression of tics. Ten youth with TS between the ages of 9 and 17 were exposed to four conditions in random sequence: free-to-tic baseline (BL), reinforced tic suppression (SUP), reinforced tic suppression plus a stress induction task (SUP + STRESS), and a stress induction task alone (STRESS). Tic frequencies did not differ during STRESS and BL. Tic frequencies were greater in SUP + STRESS than SUP. Stress may impact tics through disrupting suppression efforts. Clinically, results suggest that interventions designed to improve tic inhibition in the presence of acute stressors may be beneficial.
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Du JC, Chiu TF, Lee KM, Wu HL, Yang YC, Hsu SY, Sun CS, Hwang B, Leckman JF. Tourette syndrome in children: an updated review. Pediatr Neonatol 2010; 51:255-64. [PMID: 20951354 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-9572(10)60050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Revised: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder in children characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics that fluctuate in severity and lasting for at least 1 year. Boys are more commonly affected than girls. Symptoms usually begin with simple motor or vocal tics which then evolve into more complex motor and vocal tics over time. Premonitory sensory urges are common in children over the age of 8 years, and these urges help distinguish tics from symptoms of other movement disorders. Common comorbidities of TS include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and learning difficulties. Several genes have been assessed as candidate genes for TS; environmental factors such as stress and streptococcal infections might also contribute to its etiology. The pathophysiology of TS mainly involves dysfunction of basal ganglia-related circuits and hyperactive dopaminergic innervations. A thorough history assessment and neurological examination are important for the correct diagnosis and differentiation from other movement disorders. Treatment for TS should focus on improving the patient's social functioning, minimizing the impairment from cormobid disorders, and controlling tics, if they are severe. Commonly used medications for TS include a2-adrenergic agonists and atypical neuroleptics. Habit reversal therapy is an effective option for TS, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may be a promising approach for severe cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chieh Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxiao Branch, and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Swain JE, Scahill L, Lombroso PJ, King RA, Leckman JF. Tourette syndrome and tic disorders: a decade of progress. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2007; 46:947-968. [PMID: 17667475 DOI: 10.1097/chi.0b013e318068fbcc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This is a review of progress made in the understanding of Tourette syndrome (TS) during the past decade including models of pathogenesis, state-of-the-art assessment techniques, and treatment. METHOD Computerized literature searches were conducted under the key words "Tourette syndrome," "Tourette disorder," and "tics." Only references from 1996-2006 were included. RESULTS Studies have documented the natural history of TS and the finding that tics usually improve by the end of the second decade of life. It has also become clear that TS frequently co-occurs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a range of other mood and anxiety disorders. These comorbid conditions are often the major source of impairment for the affected child. Advances have also been made in understanding the underlying neurobiology of TS using in vivo neuroimaging and neurophysiology techniques. Progress on the genetic front has been less rapid. Proper diagnosis and education (involving the affected child and his or her parents, teachers, and peers) are essential prerequisites to the successful management of children with TS. When necessary, modestly effective antitic medications are available, although intervening to treat the comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder is usually the place to start. CONCLUSIONS Prospective longitudinal studies and randomized clinical trials have led to the refinement of several models of pathogenesis and advanced our evidence base regarding treatment options. However, fully explanatory models are needed that would allow for more accurate prognosis and the development of targeted and efficacious treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Swain
- Drs. Swain, Scahill, Lombroso, King, and Leckman are with the Child Study Center of Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Dr. Scahill is also with the School of Nursing at Yale University..
| | - Lawrence Scahill
- Drs. Swain, Scahill, Lombroso, King, and Leckman are with the Child Study Center of Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Dr. Scahill is also with the School of Nursing at Yale University
| | - Paul J Lombroso
- Drs. Swain, Scahill, Lombroso, King, and Leckman are with the Child Study Center of Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Dr. Scahill is also with the School of Nursing at Yale University
| | - Robert A King
- Drs. Swain, Scahill, Lombroso, King, and Leckman are with the Child Study Center of Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Dr. Scahill is also with the School of Nursing at Yale University
| | - James F Leckman
- Drs. Swain, Scahill, Lombroso, King, and Leckman are with the Child Study Center of Yale University, New Haven, CT; and Dr. Scahill is also with the School of Nursing at Yale University
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Abstract
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics--rapid, repetitive, stereotyped movements or vocalizations. Tourette syndrome typically has a prepubertal onset, and boys are more commonly affected than girls. Symptoms usually begin with transient bouts of simple motor tics. By age 10 years, most children are aware of nearly irresistible somatosensory urges that precede the tics. These urges likely reflect a defect in sensorimotor gating because they intrude into the child's conscious awareness and become a source of distraction and distress. A momentary sense of relief typically follows the completion of a tic. Over the course of hours, tics occur in bouts, with a regular intertic interval. Tics increase during periods of emotional excitement and fatigue. Tics can become "complex" in nature and appear to be purposeful. Tics can be willfully suppressed for brief intervals and can be evoked by the mere mention of them. Tics typically diminish during periods of goal-directed behavior, especially those that involve both heightened attention and fine motor or vocal control, as occur in musical and athletic performances. Over the course of months, tics wax and wane. New tics appear, often in response to new sources of somatosensory irritation, such as the appearance of a persistent vocal tic (a cough) following a cold. Over the course of years, tic severity typically peaks between 8 and 12 years of age. By the end of the second decade of life, many individuals are virtually tic free. Less than 20% of cases continue to experience clinically impairing tics as adults. Tics rarely occur in isolation, and other coexisting conditions--such as behavioral disinhibition, hypersensitivity to a broad range of sensory stimuli, problems with visual motor integration, procedural learning difficulties, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and emotional instability--are often a greater source of impairment than the tics themselves. Emerging behavioral treatments of Tourette syndrome are based in part on an understanding of the moment-to-moment experience of somatosensory urges and motor response. With identification of specific genes of major effect and advances in our understanding of the neural circuitry of sensorimotor gating, habit formation, and procedural memory--together with insights from postmortem brain studies, in vivo brain imaging, and electrophysiologic recordings--we might be on the threshold of a deeper understanding of the phenomenology and natural history of Tourette syndrome.
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Abstract
Comprehensive clinical evaluation of tics includes (1) assessments to diagnose (a) akathisia, myoclonus, stereotypies, and other dyskinesias and (b) their frequent behavioral concomitants, including attention deficits, compulsions, obsessions, and other psychopathologic manifestations, (2) descriptions of movement parameters from the patients, their parents, teachers, and important others, and (3) precise topographical localization of tics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Brasić
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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