Treatment-refractory Tourette Syndrome

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2016 Oct 3:70:227-36. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.02.003. Epub 2016 Feb 10.

Abstract

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by tics and frequently associated with psychiatric comorbidities. While most cases are mild and improve with age, some are treatment-refractory. Here, we review strategies for the management of this population. We begin by examining the diagnosis of TS and routine management strategies. We then consider emerging treatments for refractory cases, including deep brain stimulation (DBS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and novel pharmacological approaches such as new vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 inhibitors, cannabinoids, and anti-glutamatergic drugs.

Keywords: Cannabinoids; Deep brain stimulation; Tetrabenazine; Tics; Tourette Syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Tourette Syndrome / therapy*