The Effectiveness of Lurasidone Add-On for Residual Aggressive Behavior and Obsessive Symptoms in Antipsychotic-Treated Children and Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome: Preliminary Evidence from a Case Series

Tourette syndrome research highlights from 2021

We summarize selected research reports from 2021 relevant to Tourette syndrome that the authors consider most important or interesting. The authors welcome article suggestions and thoughtful feedback from readers.

Current and emerging pharmacotherapeutic strategies for Tourette syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic tic disorder characterized by both motor and vocal tics. The vast majority of patients present with co-morbid behavioral problems, especially tic-related obsessive-compulsive behaviors and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Evidence-based guidelines on the pharmacotherapy of TS have become available in recent years.

AREAS COVERED

The main purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current and emerging pharmacotherapeutic strategies for TS. A comprehensive search for the literature on the pharmacotherapy of tics was conducted using multiple databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), without date limits.

EXPERT OPINION

In consideration of the heterogeneity of the TS phenotypes, pharmacotherapy should be tailored to the individual patient. The choice of the pharmacological agent should take into account both the efficacy-to-tolerability ratio and the presence of co-morbid conditions. Evidence-based pharmacotherapy should aim at improving health-related quality life within a dynamic framework that typically requires active monitoring of the clinical presentation and reevaluation of the treatment intervention over time.

Recent progress on Tourette syndrome

Tic disorders and Tourette syndrome are the most common movement disorders in children and are characterized by movements or vocalizations. Clinically, Tourette syndrome is frequently associated with comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Although dysfunction of cortical–striatal–thalamic–cortical circuits with aberrant neurotransmitter function has been considered the proximate cause of tics, the mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Recently, many studies have been conducted to elucidate the epidemiology, clinical course, comorbid symptoms, and pathophysiology of tic disorders by using laboratory studies, neuroimaging, electrophysiological testing, environmental exposure, and genetic testing. In addition, many researchers have focused on treatment for tics, including behavioral therapy, pharmacological treatment, and surgical treatment. Here, we provide an overview of recent progress on Tourette syndrome.