Brain (2000), 123, 425462

INVITED REVIEW
Tourette syndrome, associated conditions and the
complexities of treatment
Mary M. Robertson
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences,
University College and The National Hospital for
Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK

Correspondence to: Professor Mary M. Robertson,

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences,
University College London, 2nd Floor, Wolfson Building,
48 Riding House Street, London W1N 8AA, UK
E-mail: rejummr@ucl.ac.uk

Summary
Tourette syndrome (TS) is characterized by multiple
motor tics plus one or more vocal (phonic) tics, which
characteristically wax and wane. It can no longer be
considered the rare and bizarre syndrome that it was
once thought to be. The concepts surrounding TS, and
our understanding of it, are also becoming increasingly
complex and, in some individuals, TS is now recognized
to be associated with a wide variety of associated
behaviours and psychopathologies. It is suggested that TS
is heterogeneous from a variety of standpoints including

clinical presentation and psychopathology, and thus

neuropharmacological responses and possibly even
aetiological and genetic mechanisms. In this paper,
mention is made of recent findings in epidemiology and
genetics, highlighting the complexities of the disorder;
these have been chosen because findings in both areas
have clinical and management implications. The literature
on the clinical manifestations, associated behaviours,
psychopathology (and/or comorbid conditions) and
management, in particular, is reviewed in detail.

Keywords: Tourette syndrome; clinical phenomenology; psychopathology; treatment

Abbreviations: ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; BNF British National Formulary; CCEI Crown Crisp
Experimental Index; DBT double-blind trial; DSMs Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals; EPSE extrapyramidal
side-effect; GAD generalized anxiety disorder; 5-HT 5-hydroxytryptamine; MDD major depressive disorder;
NMS neuroleptic malignant syndrome; NOSI non-obscene complex socially inappropriate behaviours; OCB obsessive
compulsive behaviour; OCD obsessivecompulsive disorder; OCS obsessivecompulsive symptoms; PANDAS
paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with group A -haemolytic streptococcal infections; SIB selfinjurious behaviour; SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; TCA tricyclic antidepressant; TD tardive dyskinesia;
TS Tourette syndrome; YGTSS Yale Global Tic Severity Scale

Introduction
Tourette syndrome (TS) used to be considered rare (see
Robertson 1989, 1994), with, for many years, case reports
being the only documentations in the medical literature.
Recently, the literature on TS has mushroomed, with
substantial cohorts of TS patients and scientifically rigorous
investigations being commonly described. It used to be
thought that the clinical phenomenology of TS was fairly
simple and standard, e.g. as defined by the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manuals (DSMs) criteria (American Psychiatric
Association, 1980, 1987, 1994), but it is now recognized that
TS is far from simple. There is no doubt that TS is genetic,
but the precise inheritance pattern is as yet unclear. Comorbid
conditions, associated behaviours and psychopathologies are
Oxford University Press 2000

increasingly being described, but it is unclear whether or not

they all represent the genetic expression of the TS gene(s).
Recent epidemiological studies also indicate that TS is no
longer rare; but is the mild phenotype being described in
family and population studies merely a forme fruste of that
seen in TS clinics? In addition, apart from the inherited
genetic vulnerability to TS, it has also been suggested that
perinatal insults (e.g. birth injuries) and more recently (and
somewhat speculatively) infections with streptococci or
viruses may affect the expression of TS; clearly this has both
aetiological and treatment implications.
A MEDLINE search performed in August 1998, covering
the period since January 1997, using Tourette as the title

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M. M. Robertson

keyword, identified 108 articles; as many as 31, however,

were reviews of the literature. With this in mind it was
decided that this review should be very specific and the
review will therefore concentrate on the clinical presentation,
comorbid clinical conditions and psychopathology, and then
focus, in particular, on the complexities of treatment of TS.
The clinical presentation of TS will be dealt with in detail
and the effects of stress on TS will also be discussed. The
more common comorbid conditions such as attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessivecompulsive
behaviours (OCB), self-injurious behaviours (SIBs), anxiety,
depression and personality disorder will be examined.
Comments will be made on the less common, but also
important, aspects, such as oppositional defiant disorder,
conduct disorder, aggression, learning difficulties, rage and
autism. The main focus of the paper will then be on the
complexities of management which have evolved alongside
the recognition of the clinical complexities.
For recent reviews about other aspects the readers are
referred to the following articles: genetics (Patel, 1996;
Alsobrook and Pauls, 1997); epidemiology (Staley et al.,
1997; Tanner and Goldman, 1997); phenomenology and
classification of tics (Jankovic, 1997); neurobiology (Baker
et al., 1995; Singer, 1997); social and educational resources
(Packer, 1997); reviews of instruments used to measure
aspects of TS (Kompoliti and Goetz, 1997); neuropsychology
(Como, 1997); autism and pervasive developmental disorders
(Stern and Robertson, 1997); secondary tic disorders (Kumar
and Lang, 1997); structural (Robertson, 1998) and functional
(Buitelaar et al., 1998) neuroimaging; and recent articles
highlighting mainly current findings (Robertson and Stern,
1997, 1998).

History, prevalence and epidemiology

The first case of TS, the Marquise de Dampierre, was
documented by Itard (Itard, 1825) and later by Georges Gilles
de la Tourette (Gilles de la Tourette, 1885). There have been
translations of some of these early case reports (e.g. Goetz
and Klawans, 1982; Robertson and Reinstein, 1991) and
ideas (Kushner et al., 1999), but the recent and scholarly
exposition of the history of TS (Kushner, 1999) is
recommended for anyone interested in either TS or indeed
the history of neuropsychiatry.
Originally, TS was thought to be very rare. The generally
accepted prevalence figure for TS has for some time been
0.5 per 1000 (5 per 10 000) (Bruun, 1984). A careful
population-based epidemiological study that systematically
screened for the presence of TS among Israeli armed forces
personnel reported an overall prevalence estimate of 4.28 per
10 000 (Apter et al., 1992, 1993). Another recent, substantial,
multistage epidemiological study reported TS in 0.1% of
4500 randomly selected children (aged 9, 11 and 13 years)
in south-eastern USA (Costello et al., 1996). A more recent
study was undertaken by Mason and colleagues (Mason
et al., 1998) who examined all year 9 pupils (aged 13

and 14 years) in a randomly selected regular mainstream

secondary school in West Essex, UK, in a two-stage
procedure. Standardized questionnaires were completed by
parents, teachers and pupils. Classroom observations were
also employed to identify tics. Those pupils identified as
having tics underwent a semi-structured interview, using a
shortened version of the National Hospital Interview Schedule
(Robertson and Eapen, 1996), by a research psychologist.
Five out of 166 pupils (2.9%) satisfied DSM-III-R criteria
for TS (three definite, two probable). Of importance is that
only one showed no evidence at all of any hyperactivity,
depression, emotional disorder or conduct disorder; four of
the five were hyperactive (one satisfied DSM-IV criteria for
ADHD). The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS)
(Leckman et al., 1989) scores did, however, indicate mild
TS in all subjects. Tic-possible children (30 out of 166, 18%)
in the same study were also evaluated. The prevalence of
psychopathology such as depression, OCB and ADHD were
no different in tic possibles when compared with the total
school population; teachers, however, did rate them as having
more emotional and conduct disorders (Mason et al., 1998).
The study, resulting in such a high prevalence, was criticized
(Traverse, 1998), but was well defended and justified by
the original authors (Banerjee et al., 1998). Interestingly,
however, Traverse did suggest that in his own personal
experience there has been an increase in the prevalence of
TS over the last 12 years (Traverse, 1998). Banerjee and
colleagues pointed out in particular that the lower figures
documented before (e.g. Lucas et al., 1982) had relied on
TS cases admitted to hospital (the Mayo clinic) (Banerjee
et al., 1998). In the authors experience in community
research settings, the number of TS cases seen by a doctor
are very few (eight out of 50; Robertson and Gourdie, 1990).
In studies in children with special educational needs in
particular, the prevalence of TS has been demonstrated to be
very high. Thus, Comings and colleagues working in a
southern Californian school district, screened 3034 pupils
referred for psycho-educational assessment from three schools
over a 2-year period; they estimated that 12% of all children
in special education classes had TS and that 28% fell within
a broader tic diagnostic category (Comings et al., 1990).
Kurlan and colleagues directly examined 35 children from
special education classes and 35 regular classroom children
in Monroe County, New York, for the presence of tics (Kurlan
et al., 1994a). Of the special education students, nine (26%)
had definite or probable tics, while two (6%) of the regular
school children had tics; about one-third of those with tics
met diagnostic criteria for TS. Eapen and colleagues directly
examined children from schools in West Essex, UK. They
studied 20 children from a residential school for emotional
and behavioural difficulties, 27 from a residential school for
children with learning difficulties, 17 problem children and
19 normal children from a mainstream school. Of the students
with emotional and behavioural difficulties, 65% were judged
to have tics, compared with 24% of students with learning
difficulties (P 0.05), 6% of problem children (P 0.003)

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

and none of the normal children (P 0.006); most of the
affected students met diagnostic criteria for TS (Eapen
et al., 1997a).
To complement these recent findings, a retrospective study
examining other factors in 138 children with TS found that
64 (46%) experienced a school-related problem. Regression
analysis of subjects without a diagnosis of learning disability
revealed that the presence of ADHD served as a significant
predictor of school problems (Abwender et al., 1996).
Thus, it seems that TS is more common than was previously
estimated; it is more common in children, especially in those
with special educational needs; and in mainstream children
TS is generally mild, but may well even then be associated
with hyperactivity or, in some cases, ADHD.
TS is found in all cultures, countries and racial groups and
is three to four times more common in males (Robertson,
1989, 1994; Staley et al., 1997; Tanner and Goldman, 1997;
Robertson and Baron-Cohen, 1998). TS is found in all social
classes, although some studies suggest that TS patients may
well underachieve socially (Robertson et al., 1988; Sandor
et al., 1990).

Clinical characteristics and complexities

It has been pointed out that TS is difficult to investigate as
the syndrome has no definitive gold standard. There is no
hallmark imaging abnormality, no neuropathological lesion
at post-mortem and no genetic test yet to aid symptom based
clinical diagnosis (e.g. Tanner and Goldman, 1997).
TS is characterized by both multiple motor and one or
more phonic tics which occur many times a day in bouts;
the number, frequency and complexity of the tics change
over time and they are present for at least 1 year (World Health
Organization, 1992; American Psychiatric Association, 1994).
The DSM-IV criteria have, however, been criticized
(Comings, 1995; Freeman et al., 1995; Erenberg and Fahn,
1996; Kurlan, 1997b) as, in brief, DSM-IV criteria stipulate,
amongst other things, the presence of significant impairment
and personal distress, which is clearly not evident in nonclinic studies (e.g. epidemiological and school populations
and/or family members in genetic studies).
The main characteristics of TS appear to be independent
of culture and, by and large, symptoms are similar worldwide
(Robertson, 1994; Staley et al., 1997; Tanner and Goldman,
1997). Motor and phonic tics are the hallmark of TS; Jankovic
makes the point that the term phonic tic is preferred to vocal
tic, as not all abnormal sounds and noises in TS are produced
by the vocal cords (Jankovic, 1997). It is important to note
that symptoms fluctuate in severity and change character
within the same person; this variability of expression may
contribute to diagnostic confusion and misdiagnosis
(Jankovic, 1997). Jankovic elegantly describes the intimate
phenomenology of tics showing how most tics encountered
in TS are semi-voluntary (unvoluntary) or involuntary
(suppressible). Jankovic also suggests that the characteristics
of tics are such that premonitory feelings or sensations

427

precede the tic, they are temporarily suppressible, they are

suggestible, they increase with stress but also increase with
the relaxation after stress, they decrease with distraction and
concentration, they wax and wane with transient remissions
and they persist during sleep (Jankovic, 1997).
The age of onset of TS symptoms ranges from 2 to 21
years, with a mean of 7 years being commonly reported, and
symptoms usually begin with motor tics. The onset of phonic
tics is later, with a mean age of onset of 11 years. Patients
also often demonstrate a variety of complicated movements
including touching, licking, spitting, jumping, smelling,
squatting, abnormalities of gait and forced touching
(Robertson, 1994; Staley et al., 1997). Premonitory feelings
or sensory experiences, which are distinct from the actual
motor or phonic tics and precede the tics, occur in over 80%
of TS patients (Cohen and Leckman, 1992; Leckman et al.,
1993). Tics may be abrupt in onset, fast and brief (clonic
tics) or may be slow and sustained (dystonic or tonic
tics) (Jankovic, 1997). Dystonic tics are more likely to be
associated with premonitory sensations (Jankovic, 1997).
Coprolalia (inappropriate involuntary uttering of
obscenities) occurs in less than one-third of clinic TS patients,
but in few children or mild cases (Robertson, 1994), and it
usually manifests itself by 15 years of age. There is some
suggestion that it may be culturally determined as only 4%
have true coprolalia in Japan (Nomura and Segawa, 1982)
and some countries show higher figures than in USA or
Europe (Staley et al., 1997). Copropraxia (involuntary
inappropriate obscene gestures), echolalia (imitation of
sounds or words of others), echopraxia (imitation of actions
of others) and palilalia (repetition of the last word, phrase or
last syllable of a word uttered by the patient) occur in a
substantial proportion of TS clinic patients. Whilst these
clinical features are not essential to make the diagnosis,
their presence would strengthen the clinicians diagnostic
confidence (Robertson, 1994).
Non-obscene complex socially inappropriate behaviours
(NOSI) (Kurlan et al., 1996) and disinhibition behaviours
(Cohen and Leckman, 1992) have also been described in TS.
Kurlan and colleagues surveyed 87 adolescent and adult TS
patients (mean age 28 years) and reported NOSI such as
insulting others (22%, e.g. aspersions on weight, height,
intelligence, general appearance, breath or body odour, parts
of the anatomy, racial or ethnic slurs), other socially
inappropriate comments (5%) and socially inappropriate
actions (14%). More often subjects described having an urge
to carry out the NOSI (insulting others, 30%; other socially
inappropriate comments, 26%; socially inappropriate actions,
22%), which they attempted to suppress. NOSI were usually
directed at a family member (31%) or familiar person (36%),
at home or in a familiar setting such as work or school; less
commonly NOSI were directed at a stranger (17%) in public
settings (20%). Social difficulties such as verbal arguments,
school problems, fist-fights, job problems, removal from a
public place and legal trouble or arrest commonly resulted.
NOSI were more common in young boys and were closely

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related with ADHD (P 0.005) and conduct disorder

(P 0.005), but not OCB, and it was suggested that they
may well represent part of a more general dysfunction of
impulse control in TS (Kurlan et al., 1996).
The course of TS is important to examine, as not only do
symptoms wax and wane in the short term, but symptom
patterns may well change over the individuals lifetime. By
late adolescence or early adulthood, follow-up studies have
consistently demonstrated an improvement in tic frequency
or severity in the majority of TS patients (Bruun et al., 1976;
Erenberg et al., 1987); this may be especially so in treated
patients, as it has been shown that untreated TS patients
demonstrate virtually no sustained change in their tics over
time (Sandor et al., 1990). A recent study (Leckman et al.,
1998) has demonstrated that in a single birth cohort of 36
TS patients, the mean tic onset was earlier than previously
reported, being at 5.6 years (SD 2.3), which was followed
by a progressive pattern of tic worsening. The average age
of the most severe tics was 10 years (SD 2.4). In eight
patients (22%) the tics were so severe during the worst ever
period that school functioning was significantly impaired. In
most cases the severe period was followed by a decline in
tic severity. By 18 years nearly half of the cohort was
virtually tic free (Leckman et al., 1998).
Of importance is that some investigators document a
reduction of the tic-related phenomena with time, but a
persistence or increase in the behavioural disorders (Erenberg
et al., 1987; Singer and Rosenberg, 1989; de Groot et al.,
1994) which will be described below.
It has been suggested (Robertson and Baron-Cohen, 1998)
that it may be useful to clinically subdivide TS into: (i) pure
TS, consisting primarily and almost solely of motor and
phonic tics; (ii) full blown TS which includes
coprophenomena, echophenomena and paliphenomena; (iii)
TS-plus (originally coined by Packer, 1997), in which an
individual also has ADHD, significant OCB or obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) and SIB. Others with severe
psychopathology (e.g. depression, anxiety, personality
disorders and other difficult and antisocial behaviours) may
also be included in this group.
In summary, it can be seen that although the basic clinical
picture of TS, i.e. the motor and phonic tics, is remarkably
consistent irrespective of country of origin, an in-depth
analysis of symptomatology reveals marked heterogeneity.

Psychopathology and associated behaviours

Many types of behaviours and psychopathologies have been
reported to occur frequently in TS individuals. It is important
to acknowledge once again (see Robertson, 1989) that in the
authors opinion, some types of behaviour such as OCB and
SIB are strongly linked to TS (see below) and are probably
an integral part of the syndrome; this may now also be true
for at least some types of ADHD. The other behavioural
disturbances (see below) occur in a substantial proportion of
TS patients and are often the reason for referral to a physician.

It is important to question whether these antisocial (in the

broadest sense) behaviours are truly increased in TS or not.
There are those who argue that they are increased and are
therefore integral to TS (e.g. Comings and Comings, 1987;
Comings, 1990). However, in the authors own experience
in clinical (e.g. Robertson et al., 1988, 1989, 1993, 1997),
family-pedigree (Robertson and Gourdie, 1990) and school
settings (Mason et al., 1998), and in epidemiological (Caine
et al., 1988) and family-pedigree (Kurlan et al., 1986, 1987;
McMahon et al., 1992) studies of others, the TS cases are
often of mild severity, unknown to medical professionals,
and are not associated with major behavioural disturbances.
They may well have emotional problems, but these are
probably not of the severity necessitating referral. Clinic
populations of TS, on the other hand, may include severe,
full blown and often TS-plus individuals, which may be
reflective of referral bias (Berkson, 1946). Until the putative
gene(s) is identified, however, the precise phenotype (and
whether or not it includes the associated behaviours and
psychopathologies) will remain unclear.
Let us now examine the individual associated behaviours
and psychopathologies encountered in TS patients. The reason
for considering this in detail is that recently there have been
controlled studies which employ standardized rating scales
and are thus more probing into the exact nature of the
pathologies and their relationship to TS.

ADHD
ADHD is probably one of the most common psychiatric
disorders affecting children, with prevalence estimates
ranging from 2 to 15%; the aetiology of ADHD is not fully
understood. As ADHD begins in early childhood, parents are
often the first to note clumsiness, excessive activity, low
frustration tolerance and accident proneness (Towbin and
Riddle, 1993). For a careful review of stand-alone
hyperkinetic disorder (which includes ADHD), influences on
pathogenesis, prevalence, diagnosis, comorbidity, differential
diagnosis, work-up and treatment guidelines, readers are
referred to the review by Taylor and colleagues (Taylor et al.,
1998). The present author suggests that as ADHD and TS
are so intimately related, it is valuable to familiarize oneself
with this ADHD literature.
As early as 1973, it was generally accepted that many
children who progress to TS first manifest various behavioural
disturbances often labelled as minimal brain dysfunction,
hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder (Shapiro et al.,
1973a, b). Although diagnostic criteria have changed over
time, in this review, for the sake of convenience, all these
types of symptom, unless otherwise specified, will be referred
to as ADHD. Components of this are a short attention span
and impulsivity; hyperactivity may or may not be present
(American Psychiatric Association, 1987). For a detailed
history of ADHD through the DSM variants, the reader is
referred to Towbin and Riddle (Towbin and Riddle, 1993).
It has been pointed out that of all the comorbid conditions

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

ADHD is probably the most commonly encountered in TS,
as evidenced by a vast literature on the subject (Towbin and
Riddle, 1993; Freeman, 1997). Although early studies found
ADHD in as few as 13% of TS patients (Mak et al., 1982),
it is now evident that ADHD occurs in a substantial proportion
of TS patients, ranging from 21 to 90% of clinic populations
(Robertson and Eapen, 1992), clearly far in excess of the 2
15% (Towbin and Riddle, 1993) or 419% (Taylor et al.,
1998) in the general population. Two epidemiological studies
have, however, also examined ADHD in TS. Apter and
colleagues examined all those recruited into the Israeli
Defence Force during 1 year and reported the rate of ADHD
in people with TS to be 8.3% compared with a population
point prevalence of 3.9% in individuals without TS (Apter
et al., 1993). Recently, Mason and colleagues undertook a
school epidemiological study examining TS and tics. Of the
30 out of 167 (18%) tic possibles, there was no increase in
ADHD in tic possibles compared with the other children, as
rated by the short Connors scale; there was also no increase
in hyperactivity as assessed by both the General Health
and Behaviour Questionnaire, and Strength and Difficulty
Questionnaire of Goodman (1994, 1997). Four out of five
(80%) of the identified TS individuals (definite and probable)
were, however, reported as hyperactive by their teachers,
parents or both; one satisfied DSM-IV criteria for ADHD
(Mason et al., 1998).
It has also been pointed out that it is the symptoms of
ADHD which often contribute to the behavioural
disturbances, poor school performance and impaired
executive functioning testing in children with TS (Singer
et al., 1995a).
Attentional problems and difficulties with hyperactivity
and impulse control frequently precede the emergence of the
actual tics (Jagger et al., 1982; Singer et al., 1995a). In fact,
for the DSM-IV diagnosis to be made, symptoms of ADHD
must be present in two or more settings before the age of
7 years; the TS tic symptoms, however, often begin later
(Robertson, 1989, 1994).
Only one study to date has examined the phenomenology
of pure (primary) ADHD and compared it with that of TS
plus ADHD (Spencer et al., 1998). It was demonstrated that
in TS there were increased rates of both OCD and ADHD.
In contrast to the comorbidity with OCD, it was found that
the other comorbidities (such as disruptive behaviours, mood
disorder, anxiety disorder) were indistinguishable in the
comparison between children with TS plus ADHD and
children with ADHD alone. This suggests that some
psychopathology (e.g. mood and anxiety) could be secondary
to the comorbidity with ADHD, rather than the TS per se.
In addition it was shown that children with TS plus ADHD
had lower psychosocial functioning than children with ADHD
alone (Spencer et al., 1998). A more recent paper (Spencer
et al., 1999) compared 128 male children and adolescents
with 110 controls, at baseline and 4 years later; when
compared with controls, ADHD youngsters had more tic
disorders initially and more new onsets at follow-up. Of

429

interest is that tic disorders and ADHD had independent

courses, with ADHD showing markedly less remission.
Three fairly recent studies (Weiss et al., 1985; Mannuzza
et al., 1993, 1998) in non-TS youngsters, have all
demonstrated that childhood ADHD was predictive of
antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. As so many TS
children have ADHD symptoms, this may well account for
the apparent increase in at least some of the adulthood
psychopathologies in TS (e.g. personality disorder) (see
below).
The precise relationship between ADHD and TS is thus
complex and has stimulated debate for a long time; there
appear currently to be four possibilities as to the nature of
the relationship. First, there have been suggestions that the
two disorders are genetically related (e.g. Comings and
Comings, 1984, 1987; Knell and Commings, 1993), although
this has been disputed (Pauls et al., 1986a, 1988; Eapen and
Robertson, 1996). The data from another study, however,
have suggested a second possibilitythat there may be two
types of individuals with TS plus ADHD, one in whom
ADHD is independent of TS and others in whom ADHD is
secondary to TS (Pauls et al., 1993). A third possibility is
that pure ADHD and TS plus ADHD are different
phenomenologically, but the exact relationship is unclear. A
fourth possibility as to the cause of the apparent relationship
has been put forward by Towbin and Riddle, who suggested
that TS individuals may have reduced capacities for
concentration, attention and impulse control, but at a level
subthreshold for a DSM diagnosis of ADHD; the frequency
of comorbidity therefore depends on where the cut-off point
for ADHD is set (Towbin and Riddle, 1993). The three latter
possibilities may well be related in some way and more
research needs to be undertaken.
In the authors opinion, ADHD or similar symptoms are
common in people with TS and it appears that they may occur
in even mild TS cases who are identified in epidemiological
studies. It is unlikely therefore to be wholly due to referral
bias. Whether or not the symptoms are sufficient to warrant
an actual ADHD diagnosis is as yet unknown, and whether
or not the symptoms in TS plus ADHD are identical to those
seen in pure ADHD has to be investigated further.

Obsessivecompulsive behaviours, symptoms

and disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by
persistent obsessions [recurrent, intrusive, senseless thoughts,
which are egodystonic (internally uncomfortable)] or
compulsions (repetitive and seemingly purposeful behaviours
which are performed according to certain rules or in a
stereotyped fashion); they are a significant source of distress
to the individual or interfere with social or role functioning
(American Psychiatric Association, 1987, 1994). Early studies
reported a prevalence rate in the general population of 0.05%,
but recent research suggests a lifetime prevalence rate of

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M. M. Robertson

between 1.9 and 3.2% (Dinan, 1995). It has been suggested

that there are essentially three types of OCD: (i) familial
type related to tic disorders; (ii) familial type unrelated to
tics; (iii) non-familial type (Pauls et al., 1995).
It is becoming increasingly evident that there is a clear
and strong association between TS and OCD, both in TS
patients and in their family members, with evidence for the
association being obtained from phenomenological, genetic
and epidemiological investigations (Robertson and Yakeley,
1993; Robertson, 1995).
At the outset the author wishes to make the point that
the obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and obsessivecompulsive behaviour (OCB) encountered in TS may well
be describing one and the same phenomenon, but that
they are clinically and significantly different from the OCS
encountered in pure OCD.
Twelve studies undertaken between 1969 and 1985
reported TS patients with obsessivecompulsive traits or
illnesses, varying from single case reports to significant
percentages of TS populations ranging from 11% to as
high as 80% (Robertson, 1989). Substantial studies in the
late 1980s also indicated that OCS/OCB were common in
TS, occurring in 37% (Robertson et al., 1988), 47% (van
de Wetering et al., 1988) and 49% (Caine et al., 1988)
of TS patients. One controlled study in children also
suggested significant OCS/OCB in 28% of the TS group
(Grad et al., 1987). Clearly, all these figures are far in
excess of the 1.93.2% for OCD in the general population
(Dinan, 1995); even though the OCS/OCB in TS are
different from those in OCD (see below), the high rates
in TS individuals are remarkable.
Three studies have suggested that OCS/OCB in TS change
with age or duration of TS. Montgomery and colleagues and
Nee and colleagues both suggested that OCS/OCB increased
in frequency with the duration of TS (Montgomery et al.,
1982; Nee et al., 1982). Frankel and colleagues suggested
that younger TS patients exhibited OCS/OCB related to
impulse control, while older patients were more concerned
with checking and arranging (Frankel et al., 1986).
Robertson and colleagues reported that coprolalia and
echophenomena were significantly related to OCS/OCB
(Robertson et al., 1988). The only study to control for
depression showed that TS patients are disproportionately
obsessional, which is not accounted for by depression
(Robertson et al., 1993).
Several elegant investigations have demonstrated
significant phenomenologic differences between pure
(primary) OCD and the OCS/OCB encountered in TS (Frankel
et al., 1986; Pitman et al., 1987; George et al., 1993a; Holzer
et al., 1994; Leckman et al., 19945; Eapen et al., 1997b;
Miguel et al., 1997; Mu ller et al., 1997; Zohar et al., 1997;
Petter et al., 1998). In essence, the obsessions seen in TS
have to do with sexual, violent, religious, aggressive and
symmetrical themes; the compulsions are to do with checking,
ordering, counting, repeating, forced touching, symmetry
(evening up), getting things just right and self-damage or

SIB. In contrast, the obsessions seen in pure OCD are to do

predominantly with contamination, dirt, germs, being neat
and clean, fear of something going wrong or bad happening
and the fear of becoming ill; compulsions in pure OCD are
mainly to do with cleaning and washing. In addition, the
compulsions in OCD are preceded by cognitions and
autonomic anxiety and have fewer prior sensory phenomena.
Certainly, at a clinical level, the OCS/OCB in TS appear to
be egosyntonic (personally comfortable), rather than the
egodystonic (subjectively uncomfortable) symptoms which
characterize OCD.
Other investigations have also highlighted the special
phenomenology of the OCS/OCB seen in TS. Leckman and
colleagues have described the just right phenomenon in TS.
For example, an individual would have to arrange, re-arrange
and even re-arrange things further in a particular order and
in certain positions or patterns until they looked just right
to the individual; the subtle differences in this re-arranging
would probably not be discernible to other people watching
(Leckman et al., 1994). In another study of TS subjects with
OCS/OCB, the most common obsessions concerned the fear
that one might harm oneself or others, intrusive nonsense
sounds, words or music, and thoughts that something terrible
such as fire, death or illness might happen; common
compulsions included checking, excessive washing and
toothbrushing, rituals of cleaning household or inanimate
objects, and counting, hoarding or collecting rituals
(Hebebrand et al., 1997).
In one study (George et al., 1993a) the TS group reported
that their compulsions arose de novo or spontaneously, while
the pure OCD group reported that their compulsions were
frequently preceded by stimuli such as guilt or worry. In
another study (Eapen et al., 1997b), those probands who
shared a similar symptom profile to TS subjects all had a
positive family history of OCD; all other OCD probands
were isolated cases.
There is general agreement now that at least some forms
of OCS/OCB are genetically related to TS and may well be
a phenotype of the putative TS gene(s) (Pauls and Leckman,
1986; Pauls et al., 1986a, b, 1991; Eapen et al., 1993a). Other
studies have also showed that there were elevated rates of
OCB/OCD in family members of TS probands (Walkup et al.,
1996). In contrast, one study found no increase of OCB/OCD
in family members of TS probands (Hebebrand et al., 1997).
In summary, and in the authors opinion, it does appear
that there are specific OCS/OCB in the majority of TS
patients, but that they are significantly different to the
obsessions and compulsions seen in pure OCD. In addition,
the OCS/OCB in TS seem clinically less egodystonic than
in pure OCD. Finally, there may well be a genetic
relationship between some types of OCS/OCB/OCD and TS.

SIB
In his original paper in 1885, Georges Gilles de la Tourette
described that two out of nine patients injured themselves

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

(Gilles de la Tourette, 1885). From 1916 to 1989 there were
over a dozen case reports of SIB in TS patients (Robertson
et al., 1989). Investigations have reported SIB to occur in
33% (Robertson et al., 1989), 34% (Stefl, 1984), 43% (Van
Woert et al., 1976), 48% (Nee et al., 1980) and 53%
(Moldofsky et al., 1974) of TS patients.
In the most detailed investigation into SIB to date,
Robertson and colleagues (Robertson et al., 1989) reported
that over one-third of clinic TS patients carried out SIB.
Twenty-three types of SIB were described; 14 patients showed
more than one type of SIB. The types of SIB seemed to be
non-specific and were similar to that found in learning
disabled/mentally retarded populations; they included head
banging (47%, the most common), body punching/slapping,
head or face punching/slapping, banging or poking sharp
objects into the body, scratching parts of the body and,
curiously, inflicting severe eye injuries. SIB was related
to the severity of TS, a past psychiatric history and to
psychopathology, particularly hostility and obsessionality, as
measured on standardized psychiatric rating scales (Robertson
et al., 1989). This association between SIB and obsessionality
has also been described by others both in general (e.g.
McKerracher et al., 1968; Gardner and Gardner, 1975) and
OCD (Stinnet and Hollender, 1970; Gardner and Gardner,
1975; Primeau and Fontaine, 1987) populations. Of note
is that in severe TS patients who also have OCS/OCB
characterized by SIB, psychosurgery has been life-saving
(e.g. Kurlan et al., 1990; Robertson et al., 1990a).
Of importance, however, is that even individuals with mild
TS, encountered in epidemiological (Caine et al., 1988) and
pedigree (Robertson and Gourdie, 1990) settings, have also
exhibited such SIBs.
In summary, and in the authors opinion, SIB is an
important part of TS which may well be integral and not
merely reflective of severity or referral bias. SIB in TS is
particularly related to OCS/OCB and this clearly has treatment
implications.

Anxiety
Anxiety is also common in TS patients and has been examined
frequently. Zausmer studied 96 children with tics. Anxiety
symptoms in the group were of four types including: sleep
difficulties; tension habits; motor unrest; phobias, worries,
poor concentration; they were recorded in over 80% of
patients (Zausmer, 1964). Corbett and colleagues investigated
children and adults with tics by means of chart reviews. In
52%, tics were the initial complaint; anxiety was documented
as the most frequent symptom (Corbett et al., 1969). Erenberg
and colleagues reported 45% of 58 TS individuals to have
extreme anxiety (Erenberg et al., 1987). Coffey and
colleagues investigated 84 TS patients, of whom 11 (13%)
had TS with OCD and 16 (19%) had TS with non-OCD
anxiety disorder (Coffey et al., 1992). Chee and Sachdev
reported on 50 TS adult patients using a structured schedule;
30% were found to have GAD (Chee and Sachdev, 1994).

431

Thibert and colleagues examined 98 responses to a mailed

questionnaire and showed that the group of TS patients with
high OCS/OCB scored higher on social anxiety than the
general population (Thibert et al., 1995).
Pitman and colleagues examined 16 TS patients, 16 OCD
patients and 16 controls; results indicated that TS subjects
had significantly more generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
than controls (Pitman et al., 1987). Comings and Comings
studied anxiety disorders in 246 patients with TS and 47
controls. Sixteen per cent of the TS patients and none of the
controls experienced more than three panic attacks per week.
Nineteen per cent of TS patients and none of the controls
had phobias which interfered with their life; 26% of TS
subjects had more than three phobias in contrast with 8.5%
of controls. Fourteen per cent of TS patients and 4.2% of
controls had both panic attacks and phobias (Comings and
Comings, 1987).
Robertson and colleagues have examined four different
TS cohorts for the presence of anxiety. First, Robertson and
colleagues examined 90 clinic patients with TS using the
Crown Crisp Experimental Index (CCEI, previously known
as the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire) and the Mood
Adjective Checklist, both of which include anxiety subscales,
as well as the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory; TS
patients scored much higher on anxiety than the normative
data on all three scales (Robertson et al., 1988). Using the
Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory in two separate
controlled studies, adult TS patients had significantly more
state and trait anxiety than the control subjects (Robertson
et al., 1993, 1997). In contrast, in a group of mild TS cases
(relatives of a TS proband in the family study previously
referred to), the scores of the TS cases on the three anxiety
subscales of the CCEI were no different from the scores of
non-TS cases (Robertson and Gourdie, 1990).
In a careful genetic study, Pauls and colleagues interviewed
338 biological first degree relatives of 85 TS probands, 92
biological first degree relatives of 27 unaffected control
probands and 21 non-biological first degree relatives of six
adopted TS probands. The relatives of the unaffected probands
and adopted TS probands served as a control sample for the
whole data set. The rates of GAD were not significantly
higher in the TS probands than controls; also, the rates of
GAD were not significantly different between relatives of
TS probands and controls, suggesting that GAD and TS are
not genetically related (Pauls et al., 1994).
Once again, in the authors opinion, it seems that anxiety
is common in clinic TS patients, but its exact relationship to
TS is as yet unclear; it may well be secondary to having
moderate or severe TS.

Depression
Depression is a common disorder with a lifetime risk of
~10%, with rates almost doubled in women. It may be a
mild disorder, but if severe the lifetime suicide risk is ~15%.
The aetiology of depression is often multifactorial and

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M. M. Robertson

includes genetic factors as well as psychosocial variables such

as recent adverse life events, adverse childhood circumstances
(e.g. parental loss, stress or abuse), adverse current social
circumstances and physical illness (Katona and Robertson,
1995).
Several studies have found both children (Ferrari et al.,
1984; Wodrich et al., 1997) and adult TS patients to be
depressed, and this may be more so in older individuals with
a longer duration of illness (Robertson et al., 1988). Robertson
and colleagues examined 90 adult TS patients using
standardized psychiatric rating scales including the Beck
Depression Inventory, the Mood Adjective Checklist and the
CCEI, both with depression subscales; on all three measures
the TS patients scores were substantially higher than
normative data (Robertson et al., 1988). TS patients have, in
addition, also been found to be significantly more depressed
than control groups (Comings and Comings, 1987; Robertson
et al., 1993, 1997); in the two studies by Robertson and
colleagues, once again the Beck Depression Inventory was
employed (Robertson et al., 1993, 1997).
In the genetic study referred to previously, Pauls and
colleagues studied TS probands and controls, examining for
rates of major depressive disorder (MDD), which were
significantly higher for TS probands than control subjects.
MDD was also significantly increased among relatives of
TS probands. When this association was examined further,
however, the rate of MDD in relatives of TS plus MDD
probands was higher than controls, but the rate of MDD in
relatives of TS probands without MDD was no higher than
controls (Pauls et al., 1994). This is compatible with MDD
being genetic in its own right, but not with the notion that
TS and MDD are genetically related. These results are in
contrast to the findings of Comings who has always
considered TS and depression to be genetically related
(Comings, 1990).
In a recent clinic study, bipolar affective disorder was
found to occur commonly in 30% of TS patients (Berthier
et al., 1998). A previous epidemiological study, however,
had shown only a trend towards such an association
(Kerbeshian et al., 1995).
In a group of mild TS cases (relatives of a TS proband in
a family study by Robertson and Gourdie, referred to earlier),
the scores of the TS cases on the depression subscale of the
CCEI were no different from the scores of non-TS cases
(Robertson and Gourdie, 1990).
This depression in TS clinic patients and probands could
be explained, at least in part, by the fact that sufferers
have a chronic, socially disabling and stigmatizing disease
(Robertson, 1994). This depression in clinic TS patients may
also be due to the side-effects of neuroleptics (depression,
dysphoria; see below). In addition, it has been shown that
children who have been bullied (as have many TS children
encountered in clinic) may become anxious and depressed
(Salmon et al., 1998). Finally, it may reflect the fact that
clinic attenders often have more than one problem/disorder.
One must not forget, however, that depression is a common

illness and for this reason a certain proportion of TS patients

could be depressed in any event, i.e. it may be a chance
association.
In the authors opinion, depression is certainly associated
with TS but the exact relationship is unclear. It may well be
a secondary phenomenon, i.e. secondary to having moderate
or severe TS, or bullying in children. In the authors opinion,
the depression in TS is highly likely to be multifactorial in
origin, as is depression in non-TS populations.

Personality disorder
There is only one investigation of personality disorder in TS,
but as it is an important clinical issue, the results will be
discussed in detail. Robertson and colleagues examined 39
adult TS patients of whom 31 (79%) were male, with 34
age- and sex-matched controls. The TS patients were of
moderate severity (YGTSS; mean 26.2, range 1155). TS
patients and controls were examined using the Structured
Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders II
(Spitzer et al., 1987; Nussbaum and Rogers, 1992) to
systematically determine personality axis II personality
disorders. Subjects also completed a self-rated scale for
personality disorders (Dowson, 1992). Results showed that,
using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R
Personality Disorders II, 25 out of 34 (64%) TS cases had
one or more DSM-III-R personality disorders, compared with
only two of 34 (16%) control subjects (2 22.7,
P 0.0001). TS cases were also more likely to have multiple
personality disorders. Using the STCPD scale, 27 (71%) of
the 38 TS cases completing the scale were identified as
having one or more personality disorders compared with five
(15%) of the control group (Robertson et al., 1997). The
cause of this increase in personality disorder may well be
the result of the long-term outcome of childhood ADHD,
referred to earlier. Thus, it does appear that at least some
clinic TS populations have personality disorders which have
both treatment and prognosis implications.

Other associated behaviours

Other behaviours such as aggression (Moldofsky et al., 1974;
Stefl, 1984; Robertson et al., 1988; van de Wetering et al.,
1988; Palumbo et al., 1997), antisocial behaviours (Nee et al.,
1980; Stefl, 1984), learning disabilities, oppositional defiant
disorder, conduct disorder (Comings and Comings, 1987;
Palumbo et al., 1997), severe temper outbursts (Erenberg
et al., 1987), schizoid symptoms (Comings and Comings,
1987), inappropriate sexual behaviour (Moldofsky et al.,
1974; Nee et al., 1980; Robertson et al., 1988) and rage
(Bruun and Budman, 1997) are also seen in TS clinic patients.
No studies to date, however, have examined these types of
behaviour in either epidemiological settings, in mild TS
patients or in a controlled setting.
A number of case reports (e.g. Realmuto and Main, 1982;
Barabas and Matthews, 1983) and a systematic pilot study

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

by our group (Baron-Cohen et al., 1999a), have suggested
an association between TS and autism. In the latter study
three of 37 (8.1%) pupils with autism were found to have
TS; the presence of TS was not associated with superior
intellectual, language or social development. In a more recent
large scale study, 447 pupils from nine schools for youngsters
with autism were examined in a six-stage investigation
involving combined observational and family interview/
history methods (Baron-Cohen et al., 1999b). Results showed
that definite TS was confirmed in 19 children giving a
prevalence rate of 4%; 10 more children were diagnosed as
having probable TS (2.2%). Many others (34%) showed tics
on observation (but not both motor and vocal tics) and thus
the observed rate of 6.48% of TS in autism may well be an
underestimate. Of interest is that family histories for tics or
OCB were positive in 25 out of 32 youngsters (78%). TS
was not related to the severity of autism in the youngsters
(Baron-Cohen et al., 1999b). The presence of TS in people
with autism may well have treatment implications and should
therefore be examined for.

Conclusions
The above conditions are no doubt found in many TS cases,
but the precise relationships between them and TS are as yet
unclear. Further studies will have to be undertaken on mild
TS individuals in non-clinic settings to see whether or
not they are more depressed and anxious, and have more
personality disorders than control subjects. Further genetic
studies are also called for. The clinic population, as said,
may well reflect referral bias (Berkson, 1946). Only when
the putative gene(s) are identified can one be absolutely sure
of the TS phenotype and which associated behaviours, if any,
form part of the phenotype.

Aetiological aspects
Genetics
It is now generally agreed that TS is genetically determined.
The assertion was made as there are large families documented
(Kurlan et al., 1986; Robertson and Gourdie, 1990; McMahon
et al., 1992) which, at least at face value, suggested autosomal
dominant inheritance and on their own should have been
large enough to enable detection of linkage. Indeed, TS was
shown to be autosomal dominant by complex segregation
analysis techniques (e.g. Curtis et al., 1992). To date, however,
no linkage studies have been replicated and much of the
genome has been excluded (over 80% by 1993; Heutink
et al., 1993). The question then is why has this proven so
difficult? This may be so for several reasons, including the
fact that the model for inheritance is wrong, the phenotype
cannot be accurately determined or there are other nongenetic factors at play. These are some of the reasons why
so many different models for inheritance have been proposed

433

and why the definition of the phenotype has taken on such

crucial importance.
Thus, more recently, a mixed model has been proposed
(Hasstedt et al., 1995; Walkup et al., 1996) in which it is
suggested that there is a genetic predisposition involving one
copy of the gene which renders the individual vulnerable,
and other factors (e.g. infections, perinatal factors) which
determine the extent of the expression of the gene; the
number of genes (one or two) may determine the severity of
TS. Polygenic inheritance (involving many genes) (Comings
et al., 1996), which is more controversial, and bilineality
(Kurlan et al., 1994b) (both matrilineal and patrilineal
inheritance) have also been suggested. Two studies have
shown the effects of genomic imprinting (Lichter et al., 1995;
Eapen et al., 1997c). Many authorities believe that an
individual may inherit a vulnerability to a spectrum disorder
including TS and OCB (Eapen et al., 1993a). Pauls and
colleagues suggested that, although ADHD is not a variant
expression of TS, the two conditions may be aetiologically
related in some individuals, such that there may be two types
of people with TS and ADHD; those in whom ADHD is
independent of TS (with onset of ADHD before onset of TS)
and others in whom ADHD is secondary to the occurrence
of TS (concurrent or later onset of ADHD) (Pauls et al., 1993).
There may also be genetic heterogeneity, i.e. different
genes may be responsible for TS in different families. Future
research in the area will also concentrate on the precise
definition of the phenotype. To date, as has been said before,
it is not clear which manifestations of TS the putative gene(s)
will be responsible for in the phenotype; e.g. will the gene
for pure TS be the same as that for full blown or TS-plus?
A possible new approach to solving the problems of
identifying the genetic mechanisms involved may be sib-pair
analysis. A large international investigation spearheaded by
the Tourette Syndrome Association (USA) is now employing
this technique. As this method is more robust to misspecification of models of inheritance, it should eventually
either find linkage to chromosomal loci or not.
In the first publication from the group and the first complete
genome scan in TS, two areas are suggestive of linkage
(Tourette Syndrome Association International Consortium for
Genetics, 1999). These results are exciting and further
research is under way.

Perinatal factors and infections

Recently there have been suggestions that a variety of other
factors are involved in the aetiopathogenesis of TS, including
pre- and perinatal stressors/insults, and, somewhat later,
various bacterial and viral infections.

Perinatal factors
Based on observations that stressors at various times of the
life cycle could influence TS symptoms, Leckman and
colleagues suggested a stress-diathesis model for the

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M. M. Robertson

pathogenesis of TS, according to which the clinical expression

of TS is a product of the interaction of an inherited
vulnerability (such as that discussed above) with
environmental factors; these may include CNS stimulants or
intermittent, uncontrollable stress during a critical period of
brain development (Leckman et al., 1986). Thus, it has been
proposed that prenatal events or exposures such as maternal
life stress during pregnancy, severe nausea and vomiting
during pregnancy, and antiemetic medication may lead to
changes in the sensitivity of some dopaminergic receptors
and this could partially determine the eventual severity of
expression of the diathesis to TS (Leckman et al., 1987,
1990). Others have also reported a high incidence of birth
complications in 25% of 53 TS patients (Lees et al., 1984),
which included induced labour, umbilical cord round the
neck, neonatal jaundice, caesarian section, forceps delivery,
prolonged labour, prematurity and a twin sibling dying at
birth. Unfortunately, none of these were controlled studies,
so it is not possible to say whether or not these factors are
found more with TS individuals than any other group or the
general population.

Neuroimmunology and infections

Several groups have recently investigated the possible role
of infections in the aetiopathology of TS and related disorders.
These will all be discussed as they have important, though
as yet novel, treatment implications (see below).
There have been recent suggestions that paediatric
autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with group
A -haemolytic streptococcal infections (PANDAS) (Swedo
et al., 1998) may be of importance in the understanding of
the aetiopathology of TS. Robertson and Stern suggest a
possible clinical spectrum between TS and Sydenhams
chorea, a variant of rheumatic fever with neurological
involvement (Robertson and Stern, 1998); this theory is
strengthened by the findings of both OCD symptoms (Swedo
et al., 1989, 1993) and vocal tics (Mercadante et al., 1997)
in Sydenhams chorea.
The PANDAS disorders, associated with either abrupt
onset or exacerbations of tics or OCS/OCB symptoms, have
been described in a series of reports (Allen et al., 1995;
Swedo et al., 1997, 1998). Carrying on related research,
studies have now also examined a trait marker of rheumatic
fever susceptibility (a -lymphocyte antigen labelled D8/17)
and have found it to be increased in patients with both TS
and OCD (Murphy et al., 1997; Swedo et al., 1997).
The neuroimmune diathesis of TS has been of interest
for some time (Hallett and Kiessling, 1997). Antineuronal
antibodies were found to be increased in the sera of children
with movement disorders including Sydenhams chorea and
TS (Kiessling et al., 1993, 1994). The same group later
developed a sensitive and specific assay for the determination
of these human antineuronal antibodies in TS and related
disorders (Laurino et al., 1997).
Although the idea of PANDAS is intriguing, it is still

speculative and only a few cases have been described which

support the hypothesis. The topic has been well reviewed by
Kurlan who suggests that further research is required to
establish more clearly the role of post-infectious and immunemediated mechanisms in TS (Kurlan, 1998, 1999). He also
suggests that with the present state of knowledge, testing and
treating of patients should not form part of a routine clinical
work-up and should only be used in the context of research
protocols (Kurlan, 1998, 1999).
Moving on to other infections, Budman and colleagues
reported an 11-year-old girl who had no family history of
TS, but who, at the age of 5 years, began to have symptoms
of TS including motor and vocal tics, ADHD and OCD.
Gestation, birth and early development were normal. At 3
years she developed herpes simplex type 1 oral lesions; she
continued to have these periodically. Over the years her
response to traditional anti-TS medication was variable.
Acyclovir was given twice for tic exacerbations and she
improved markedly on both occasions (Budman et al., 1997).
Riedel and colleagues documented a boy who began
blinking excessively at the age of 4 years; it resolved within
a year without treatment. At the age of 9 years he developed
multiple motor tics, a vocal tic and poor impulse control,
and was hospitalized 11 months after the onset. The results
of all special investigations suggested an infection with
Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease). He was treated with an
intravenous antibiotic (ceftriaxone 2 g) daily for 14 days
which resulted in both a decrease of symptoms and a decrease
in Borrelia-specific antibody titres. The authors suggested
that such an infection should be considered in all cases of
TS in endemic areas (Riedel et al., 1998).
In summary, several recent investigations have identified
some TS patients associated with streptococcal infections;
others have reported TS symptoms to be associated with
Lyme disease and a viral infection. All of these findings,
although interesting, must be considered as speculative and
almost anecdotal as yet, and although they have treatment
implications, these also must be considered to be in their
infancy. This, once again, highlights the heterogeneity of so
many aspects of TS, including aetiology.

Course and prognosis

TS has a life-long course. Characteristically, the course of
TS is punctuated by the appearance of new tics and the
disappearance of older ones; during adolesence the symptoms
tend to be more unpredictable from day to day, but it is
estimated that in 3040% of cases the tic symptoms will
remit completely by late adolescence (Robertson, 1994).
A recent study by Leckman and colleagues demonstrated
that there was a mean tic onset at age 5.6 years which was
followed by a progressive pattern of tic worsening. The
period of greatest tic severity occurred at 10 years. In eight
of 36 cases (22%) the frequency and forcefulness of the tics
during the worst period were so severe that functioning in
school was impossible; in practically every case this period

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

was followed by a steady decline in tic severity. By the age
of 18 nearly half of the cohort was virtually tic free. The
onset of puberty was not associated with either the timing
or severity of tics (Leckman et al., 1998).
There is little doubt that stress is involved in the
pathogenesis and worsening of TS, but the topic has received
relatively little systematic attention in the literature. Stress
has been implicated in the pathogenesis (e.g. Leckman et al.,
1986, 1990) as well as the perpetuation or increase of TS
symptoms.
Stress has been shown to increase the severity of tics.
Case reports have documented an increase in TS symptoms
following the death of a parent, personal illness, birth of a
sibling (Eisenberg et al., 1959), beginning school (Eisenberg
et al., 1959; Surwillo et al., 1978), parental separation
(Stevens, 1964), illness of a parent (Faux, 1966), personal
illness (Eisenberg et al., 1959; Faux, 1966), premenstrual
tension (Lees et al., 1984), thermal stress (Lombroso et al.,
1991), conflicting family interactions (Edell and Motta, 1989;
Malatesta, 1990) and traumatic war experiences (Witzum
et al., 1996). Three long-term single case studies have
investigated stress and TS and shown that increased stress
increases tics, whereas reduced stress (e.g. by relaxation)
reduces tics (Goforth, 1974; Surwillo et al., 1978; Michultka
et al., 1989).
Other evaluations of substantial TS cohorts have found
that increased stress or events which produce anxiety such
as emotional trauma and social gatherings worsen tics (Jagger
et al., 1982; Lees et al., 1984; Robertson et al., 1988;
Bornstein et al., 1990; Chappell et al., 1994; Silva et al.,
1995).

Management of TS
Management can range from education to supportive
reassurance to intricate pharmacological interventions, and
ideally management should be multidisciplinary. At the outset
it must be pointed out that education is mandatory and
psychobehavioural methods and reassurance may well be
sufficient for many patients, especially those with mild
symptomatology.

Psychological techniques
A variety of psychological techniques have been used in the
treatment of TS. The first technique used was massed
negative practice (over-rehearsal of the target tic by the
patient, which would eventually disappear by a mechanism
called reactive inhibition). Subsequent literature has, however,
shown inconsistent results using this method (for review, see
Evers and van de Wetering, 1994). Other psychological
treatments which have proved useful in TS have included
assertiveness training (Mansdorf, 1986), self-monitoring
(Billings, 1978) and cognitive therapy (OConnor et al.,
1993). Relaxation therapy (Bergin et al., 1998), on the other
hand, has not proved useful in the treatment of tics. Evers

435

and van de Wetering suggested a treatment model based on

a specific tension reduction technique in which, instead of a
tic which occurs in response to a specific sensory stimulus,
the patient is taught a more socially acceptable alternative
response which also reduces the sensory stimulus (Evers and
van de Wetering, 1994). By and large the author is not greatly
impressed with psychological techniques for the treatment of
the tics per se, as much of the documentation in the literature
is anecdotal and, in her experience, results have not been
particulary encouraging. The main use for psychobehavioural
techniques in TS is for the associated OCS/OCB where it
forms an important adjunct to medication.

Pharmacological management
The neurobiology of TS has been thoroughly reviewed
(Messiha, 1988; Baker et al., 1995; Singer, 1997; Robertson
and Stern, 1998) and many circuits (e.g. frontalsubcortical;
basal gangliathalamocortical, nucleus accumbenslimbic
system) and neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator systems
have been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis. These
neurotransmitter systems include catecholamines (dopamine
and noradrenaline); tryptophan and its metabolites (serotonin,
kynurenine, tryptamine), acetylcholine, the GABA amino
acids (glutamate, phenylalanine, p-tyrosine), trace amines
(e.g. tyramine), opioid peptides (e.g. dynorphin), the second
messenger (cyclic AMP), and androgenic hormones.
However, there have been relatively few post-mortem TS
brains studied pathologically. Many parts of the brain have
been invoked as abnormal in TS. Studies of eye movements
have implicated basal ganglia dysfunction. MRI studies
have implicated corpus callosum size and loss of normal
asymmetrical predominance of the caudate. Much of the
imaging and neurochemical data has been potentially
conflicting. In fact, it has been pointed out that the efficacy
of neuroleptics in treating tics (see below) was the main
factor behind the prevailing theory of dysfunctional
dopaminergic basal ganglia circuitry (Robertson and Stern,
1998).
Chemotherapy is, at present, the mainstay of treatment of
the motor and vocal symptoms of TS, as well as some of
the associated behaviours. Thus, this communication will
concentrate on pharmacological manoeuvres in the treatment
of TS. Many studies and case reports will be reviewed, not
only to demonstrate drug efficacy, but also to indicate the
most favoured drugs and reasons for this.
The pharmacological treatment of TS can be complex and
may be difficult in many cases. It can be hampered by
the fact that there have been relatively few double-blind
medication studies and the controlled trials that there are
have been conducted on relatively small numbers of patients.
Combination strategies are often required according to which
symptoms are being primarily targeted, and relatively few
studies of these exist; augmentation strategies are also used
for certain symptom groups. Some patients, however, with

436

M. M. Robertson

multiple symptom profiles (e.g. TS-plus) appear refractory

to many of the treatments.

Pharmacological treatment of the motor and

vocal tics
The most commonly prescribed medications for the motor and
vocal tics have historically been the dopamine antagonists,
but prescribing habits and efficacy vary widely. The most
successful agents in this group are haloperidol, pimozide,
sulpiride and tiapride. Other drugs such as clonidine,
clonazepam and, more recently, risperidone are widely used
but efficacy is still open to question. Some drugs, including
nicotinic agents, have some appeal but have had little
exposure, while others such as clozapine and talipexole, have
been found not to be useful.
MEDLINE searches followed by cross-referencing
indicated that there are around 20 double-blind trials (DBT)
investigating the treatment of TS (see separately under each
individual drug). The most common DBTs have involved
standard neuroleptics. Let us examine the drugs separately
in detail. Trade names have been obtained from British
National Formulary (1998) and Martindale Pharmacopoeia
(Reynolds, 1996).

Dopamine-modulating drugs
Typical neuroleptics (dopamine antagonists). The
neuroleptics are most often used as antipsychotic agents and
are also misleadingly referred to as major tranquilizers.
They are considered to act primarily by interfering with
dopaminergic transmission in the brain by blocking dopamine
receptors. They also affect cholinergic, -adrenergic,
histaminergic and serotinergic receptors (British National
Formulary, 1998).
Haloperidol (Dozic, Haldol, Halperon, Peridol, Serenace).
Haloperidol, a butyrophenone derivative, is primarily a
dopamine D2 receptor blocker (Messiha, 1988). It is one of
the most widely used agents used in treating in TS in the
USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australasia and the Far East.
Seignot first documented its use in the treatment of TS
(Seignot, 1961), but it has recently been shown that the
patient previously had a frontal lobotomy (Rickards et al.,
1997). Since then, however, it has been the most tried and
tested medication, with many case reports of its successful
use (Caprini and Melotti, 1961; Challas and Brauer, 1963;
Chapel et al., 1964; Stevens and Blachly, 1966; Fernando,
1967; Lucas et al., 1967; Boris, 1968; Shapiro and Shapiro,
1968; Stanciu et al., 1972; Shapiro et al., 1973c; Perera,
1975; Feinberg and Carroll, 1979; Singer et al., 1986; Wright
and Peet, 1989). Shapiro and colleagues reviewed 41 reports
of its use over a 14-year period and found its efficacy to be
between 78 and 91% (Shapiro et al., 1988). It has also,
however, withstood the rigours of DBTs (Connell et al.,

1967; Shapiro et al., 1989) when it has been shown to be

superior to comparator agents.
Monitoring of haloperidol treatment in a research setting
has included measuring serum haloperidol levels which, with
the low dosages in use, are remarkably small; this can be
compared with both high doses and consequent high serum
levels in patients with schizophrenia (Singer et al., 1981).
It has been suggested, however, that haloperidol produces
unacceptable side-effects in ~84% of patients and therefore
only a minority of 2030% of TS patients continue treatment
for extended periods (Sallee et al., 1997). In addition, in
many studies, haloperidol has been shown to produce more
side-effects when compared with other neuroleptics (Ross
and Moldofsky, 1977, 1978; Singer et al., 1982; Shapiro and
Shapiro, 1982; Goetz et al., 1984; Shapiro et al., 1989; Sallee
et al., 1997). Side-effects of the neuroleptics in general will
be discussed later.
Borison and colleagues conducted placebo-controlled
DBTs using fluphenazine and trifluoperazine which were as
efficaceous as haloperidol, but with fewer side-effects. In
other studies, clonidine was shown to be equally as efficaceous
as haloperidol, but did not produce adverse CNS sideeffects. They also compared amantadine and benztropine in
a crossover study. Amantadine was superior in treating
the side-effects of haloperidol treatment in TS (Borison
et al., 1983).
It does appear that if medications other than haloperidol
are available they should be used as first-line agents, not
because of increased efficacy, but because it now seems
undisputed that haloperidol produces excessive adverse sideeffects, as in controlled situations haloperidol produces more
side-effects than other agents.
Pimozide (Antalon, Opiran, Orap). Pimozide is a
diphenylbutylpiperidine derivative which posseses postsynaptic blocking activity with a preference for the dopamine
D1 receptor (Messiha, 1988). It is widely used in the USA,
Canada, UK, Europe, Australasia and the Far East.
Ross and Moldofsky conducted a placebo-controlled DBT,
in which both pimozide and haloperidol significantly
decreased tic frequency in nine TS patients. Follow-up at 4
20 months later showed that six of seven patients receiving
pimozide and one of two receiving haloperidol had 75%
improvement in symptoms (Ross and Moldofsky, 1978).
Regeur and colleagues reviewed their management with
65 TS patients. Fifteen patients (23%) received no medication.
Pimozide was their most popular medication (given in 46
out of the 65 cases, 71%) because of relative lack of sideeffects. Thirty-seven were treated with pimozide alone, five
with pimozide and tetrabenazine and four with pimozide and
clonidine. The dose ranges of pimozide were 0.59 mg per
day. Eighty-one per cent experienced a good clinical response
without side-effects (Regeur et al., 1986).
Shapiro and colleagues treated 57 TS patients in a DBT
comparing haloperidol, pimozide and placebo. The active
agents were more effective than placebo, but haloperidol
was slightly more effective than pimozide. Adverse effects

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

occurred more frequently with haloperidol versus placebo
than with pimozide versus placebo, but the frequency was
not significantly different for haloperidol compared with
pimozide. Of importance is that clinically significant cardiac
effects did not occur at a maximum dosage of 20 mg/
day for pimozide and 10 mg/day for haloperidol (Shapiro
et al., 1989).
Sallee and colleagues conducted a 24-week placebocontrolled DBT, with double crossover comparison of
pimozide and haloperidol therapy, and measured prolactin
levels, tic severity and extrapyramidal side-effects (EPSEs)
in 22 TS children and adolescents (aged 716 years). Pimozide
was significantly superior to placebo, whereas haloperidol
failed to reach significance. Haloperidol produced a 3-fold
higher frequency of side-effects and significantly more EPSEs
than pimozide. The patients experienced clinical response
rates of 69% on 3.4 mg/day of pimozide and 65% on 3.5
mg/day of haloperidol. Pimozide responders demonstrated
significantly raised prolactin compared with pimozide nonresponders and haloperidol treated patients, suggesting that
prolactin may be a marker for tic response to pimozide
and conversely, a potential marker for haloperidol-related
incidence of EPSEs (Sallee et al., 1996, 1997). Sallee and
colleagues had previously reported results of cognitive testing
in 66 TS patients, of whom one-third had comorbid ADHD,
when pimozide was found to be significantly superior to
haloperidol in improving cognitive functioning (Sallee
et al., 1994).
Sandor and colleagues described a long-term follow-up
study (115 years) of 33 TS patients treated with pimozide
(218 mg), haloperidol (215 mg) or no drugs. Both drugs
produced comparable relief of symptoms at follow-up;
however, significantly more patients on haloperidol (47%),
compared with pimozide (8%), discontinued treatment.
Haloperidol resulted in significantly more acute dyskinesias
and/or dystonias than pimozide; otherwise, the adverse sideeffect profile was similar for the two agents. Of importance
is that no increased incidence of ECG abnormalities with
pimozide were found (Sandor et al., 1990).
Substituted benzamides. The substituted benzamides,
selective D2 antagonists, have also become popular
worldwide, excluding the USA and Canada, for the treatment
of motor and vocal tics. This group is popular as the drugs
produce less EPSEs and less tardive dyskinesia (TD).
Sulpiride (Dogmatil, Dolmatil, Eglonyl, Sulparex, Sulpitil).
The most widely documented benzamide in the treatment of
TS is sulpiride, first used by Yvonneau and Bezard in 1970
(Yvonneau and Bezard, 1970). Subsequently, it has been
extensively used and documented (Robertson et al., 1990b;
George et al., 1993b). Robertson and colleagues managed 63
out of 114 (55%) TS patients with a mean age of 29.3 years
(range 1068) with sulpiride and worthwhile beneficial effects
occurred in 59%. Positive effects were: decreased motor
and vocal tics, decreased OCS/OCB, decreased agression,
decreased echophenomena and tension, and finally, an
improved mood. The dose of sulpiride commenced at 200 mg

437

daily and increased to a limit of 1 g daily (Robertson et al.,

1990b). George and colleagues undertook a 14-week DBT
with placebo-controlled crossover of fluvoxamine versus
sulpiride, followed by single-blind combined therapy in 11
subjects with comorbid TS and OCD. Sulpiride monotherapy
significantly reduced tics and non-significantly improved
OCS/OCB. Fluvoxamine, either alone or combined with
sulpiride, non-significantly ameliorated tics and reduced OCS/
OCB (George et al., 1993b).
Tiapride (Equilium, Tiapridal). Tiapride, not licensed in
the USA, Canada or UK, is widely used in Europe for the
treatment of TS. A case report of a 17-year-old TS female
(Lipcsey, 1983) and a study including extrapyramidal
hyperkinetic syndromes (Klepel et al., 1988) showed that
tiapride was useful in reducing symptoms.
Chouza and colleagues gave tiapride to 25 patients with
various forms of dyskinesia for 3 months. Maximal dosage
was 900 mg/day. A DBT of tiapride versus placebo showed
significantly better results in the tiapride group. The forms
of dyskinesia which responded best to tiapride included those
of TS patients. An unequivocal, although minor, tiaprideinduced parkinson syndrome was recorded in a few patients.
No instances of tiapride-induced dyskinesia or akathisia were
seen (Chouza et al., 1982).
Eggers and colleagues conducted a placebo-controlled
study on 10 children followed by a double-blind crossover
study on 17 children using tiapride; tiapride was shown to
have a positive therapeutic effect on tics and it had no
adverse effects on neuropsychologically measurable cognitive
performances in children. Neurophysiological parameters
such as the EEG frequency analysis and sensory evoked
potentials were not affected by tiapride; nor was the
neurosecretory, hypothalamichypophyseal regulation of the
sex hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone
or thyroid hormone impaired. The hyperprolactinaemia
caused by tiaprides dopaminergic properties was moderate
and restricted to the duration of therapy (Eggers et al., 1988).
Other benzamides. Other benzamides which have also
been used successfully in smaller numbers of TS patients
include amisulpiride (Trillet et al., 1990), metoclopramide
(Desai et al., 1983; Smirnov, 1989) and remoxipride
(Buitelaar et al., 1995; Sandor et al., 1996). In the UK
remoxipride can only be prescribed on a named patient basis
because of blood dyscrasias (aplastic anaemia, cytopenia).
To the best of the authors knowledge, there have been no
reports of the use of the other benzamides such as raclopride
and nemonapride for TS treatment.
Other typical neuroleptics less commonly used in TS. Other
neuroleptics such as the diphenylbutylpiperidine penfluridol
(Shapiro et al., 1983a, 1988), the phenothiazines,
fluphenazine (Goetz et al., 1984; Singer et al., 1986),
trifluoperazine (Polites et al., 1965; Fernando, 1967;
Prabhakaran, 1970) and thioproperazine (Lechin et al., 1982)
have also been used successfully. In a few patients depot
neuroleptics such as haloperidol (Paolucci et al., 1984; Clarke
and Ford, 1988) or flupenthixol (in our own TS clinic;

438

M. M. Robertson

M. M. Robertson, unpublished data) have been used

successfully.

Atypical neuroleptics. It may well be that the relatively

new atypical neuroleptics may be of potential use in TS. It
has been pointed out that what exactly should be included
in the definition of an atypical neuroleptic remains
controversial, but the majority of investigators would agree
that an essential requirement is a reduced risk of acute or
subacute EPSEs (Chappell et al., 1997), as well as a different
receptor profile to the traditional/typical neuroleptics. Only
three of these have been tried in TS patients, namely
risperidone, clozapine and olanzapine.
Risperidone (Belivon, Risperidal, Risperidol). Risperidone,
a benzisoxazole, has a higher affinity for 5-hydroxytryptamine
(5-HT) 2A receptors and lower dopamine D2 receptor binding
than haloperidol (Leysen et al., 1992). As the 5-HT2A
receptor has been suggested as important in the
pathophysiology of TS, risperidone may be of theoretical
benefit in TS, especially if the patient has OCS/OCB in
which 5-HT has been implicated. Several groups have recently
reported success in treating TS symptoms with risperidone
(Bruggeman et al., 1994; Stamenkovic et al., 1994; van der
Linden et al., 1994; Giakas, 1995; Lombroso et al., 1995;
Shulman et al., 1995; Bruun and Budman, 1996), with the
majority (i.e. 68% of 57 patients) doing well. The results of
a study by Robertson and colleagues in 19 TS patients were,
however, somewhat disappointing, with 41% responding
positively and 35% feeling that it had made no difference,
while it made symptoms worse in 24%. At follow-up several
months later, very few patients were still taking the drug. Of
importance is that no patients suffered EPSEs (Robertson
et al., 1996). Finally, it is also of interest that risperidone
has been used successfully in the treatment of OCD (Jacobsen,
1995) and has been used as an augmenting agent alongside
a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in both TS
and OCD (Stein et al., 1997). Interestingly, tics have also
been reported following risperidone withdrawal (Rowan and
Malone, 1997).
Clozapine (Clozaril, Leponex). Clozapine is a
dibenzodiazepine compound that is also a potent 5-HT2A,
5-HT2C, 5-HT3 and, weaker, D14 receptor antagonist.
Patients taking it must have their blood monitored regularly
as they may devlop agranulocytosis, which occurs in ~2%
of cases (McDougle et al., 1995); in the UK an official
Clozaril Patient Monitoring Service has been set up by the
manufacturing company to regularly check the patients for
blood dyscrasias.
To date there have been only two reports of the use of
clozaril in the treatment of TS. Schmider and Hoff
documented its use in an atypical TS patient with comorbid
schizophreniform disorder (Schmider and Hoff, 1998). Caine
and colleagues conducted a unique study when they treated
12 patients with abnormal involuntary movement disorders,
including seven with TS and others with Huntingtons disease
and atypical persistent dyskinesia, with clozapine in a

placebo-controlled DBT. Two dropped out due to

complications. The TS patients were treated with clozapine
(average dose 371 mg/day; range 150500) for 47 weeks.
Overall, clozapine was found not to be effective; on the
contrary, at doses of 50150 mg clozapine was actually
associated with transient increased tics. There were also,
however, serious unacceptable side-effects (Caine et al.,
1979).
Much later, McDougle and colleagues studied 10 OCD
patients who were treated with clozapine and it was found
to be ineffective (McDougle et al., 1995). There have,
however, been two case reports of the beneficial use of
clozapine in tardive TS (see below) (Kalian et al., 1993;
Jaffe et al., 1995). In the latter report, the patients were
treated with a combination of clozapine and propanolol, or
clozapine and tetrabenazine (Kalian et al., 1993).
Olanzapine (Zyprexa). Bhadrinath documented the
successful use of olanzapine in a 16-year-old TS girl with
coprolalia and SIB. She had been treated unsuccessfully with
haloperidol, pimozide and risperidone; all were discontinued
either due to poor control of TS symptoms or unacceptable
side-effects. The patient was started on olanzapine 5 mg
daily which was raised to 10 mg after 1 week. Over 9 weeks
of treatment partial control of tic symptoms was achieved.
Increased appetite lasted for 4 weeks and drowsiness
improved when the medication was taken at night
(Bhadrinath, 1998).
There are other atypical neuroleptics such as sertindole
[Serlect, Serdolect (now withdrawn from the UK market)]
and quetiapine (Seroquel), but to the best of the authors
knowledge there have been no publications documenting the
use of these drugs for the treatment of TS.

Side-effects of the neuroleptics. Neuroleptics are useful

in the treatment of TS as has been shown, but unfortunately are
often associated with unacceptable side-effects. For example,
approximately 84% of haloperidol-treated patients experience
adverse effects during the course of treatment and only a
minority (as low as 2030%) are able to continue to take the
drug for continued periods (Erenberg et al., 1987; Chappell
et al., 1995a).
The side-effects will be discussed in detail as they are not
only important, but may be subtle, unusual and somewhat
different to those seen in other conditions. Sixteen groups of
side-effects are described in the following section.
(i) Acute dystonic side-effects including lock-jaw and
oculogyric crises can occur with the administration of any
of the neuroleptic drugs, especially in drug naive patients.
Depending on the severity of the dystonic reaction, there
are agents such as the anticholinergic drugs (Barnes and
McPhillips, 1996) which can be given as antidotes, either
orally, intramuscularly or intravenously; these include
orphenadrine (Disipal) (Connell et al., 1967), benztropine
(Cogentin) (Kurlan, 1997a), diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
(Kurlan, 1997a) and procyclidine (Kemadrin) (M. M.
Robertson, unpublished data).

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

It has been suggested that some patients with tics may
have an increased risk of dystonia, as it was reported to
occur in 5% of TS patients seen at a clinic (Stone and
Jankovic, 1991). However, none of 46 TS cases were reported
to have acute dystonic reactions with pimozide (Regeur
et al., 1986).
(ii) Parkinsonian side-effects (e.g. tremor, bradykinesia)
can occur, but are rare at low doses and may be helped by
decreasing the dose (Kurlan, 1997a) or adding an
anticholinergic such as benzhexol (Eapen et al., 1993b),
benztropine, biperiden, orphenadrine or procyclidine (Barnes
and McPhillips, 1996).
(iii) Neuroleptic-induced akathisia or motor restlessness
occurs in 2375% of neuroleptic-treated patients (Barnes
et al., 1992). It can also occur in neuroleptic-treated TS
patients and may exacerbate the TS symptoms (Bruun,
1988). It may be helped by neuroleptic dose reduction and
withdrawal (Barnes and McPhillips, 1996; Kurlan, 1997a),
or prescription of propanolol (George et al., 1993b), clonidine
(Zubenko et al., 1984; Adler et al., 1987) or the 5-HT2
antagonists cyproheptadine (Weiss et al., 1995) and ritanserin
(Miller et al., 1990). Of interest is that a boy with TS who
had a positive family history of restless legs syndrome
(Ekboms syndrome)his mother suffered with restless legs
syndromewas particularly vulnerable to neurolepticinduced akathisia with haloperidol, pimozide and tiapride
(Mu ller et al., 1994).
(iv) Sedation and drowsiness are particularly common with
haloperidol and may be avoided by taking the medication at
bedtime or drinking caffeine containing beverages in the
morning (Kurlan, 1997a). They have also been reported as
the most common side-effects occurring with sulpiride20
out of 63 patients (32%); in half of these patients the sideeffects were transient, while in the other half they were
sustained and required discontinuation of the drug (Robertson
et al., 1990b). Sedation has been reported with pimozide
(Regeur et al., 1986), but is less evident than with haloperidol
(Ross and Moldofsky, 1978).
(v) Cognitive effects: butyrophenones such as haloperidol
may also impair concentration and scholastic achievement
(Bruun, 1988), and have been associated with lower IQ in
structured settings such as neuropsychological testing with
the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Robertson et al., 1988).
(vi) Dysphoria and depression have been reported with
haloperidol (Erikson et al., 1977; Caine and Polinsky, 1979;
Bruun, 1982, 1984, 1988), pimozide (Regeur et al., 1986;
Bruun, 1988), fluphenazine (Bruun, 1988), tiapride (Chouza
et al., 1982) and sulpiride (Robertson et al., 1990b; George
et al., 1993b). This is important as individuals with TS have
been shown to be particularly prone to depression (Robertson
et al., 1988, 1993, 1997). This may be dose related and thus
treated by reducing the dose (Kurlan, 1997a), by discontinuing
the drug (Robertson et al., 1990b) or by adding an appropriate
antidepressant (Robertson et al., 1990b).
(vii) TD: it seems that, in general, TD is fairly uncommon
in TS patients treated with neuroleptics, as evidenced by the

439

documentation of case reports of its occurrence (Caine et al.,

1978; Mizrahi et al., 1980; Caine and Polinsky, 1981;
Seeman et al., 1981; Golden, 1984; Riddle et al., 1987). Of
importance, however, is that TD side-effects have been
reported in children exposed to haloperidol with dosages as
low as 4 mg/day for 4 years (Silva et al., 1993). Tardive
dystonia can occur occasionally after short-term treatment
with low doses (British National Formulary, 1998). Tardive
dystonia has been reported with haloperidol (Singh and
Jankovic, 1988) while TD has been reported in one patient
treated with sulpiride (Eapen et al., 1993b). This latter case
was unusual, as sulpiride has actually been successfully used
in relieving symptoms of TD (Haggstrom, 1980; Gerlach and
Casey, 1984; Quinn and Marsden, 1984; Schwartz et al.,
1990; Chaplin, 1991). To put this into context, in a series of
46 TS cases treated with pimozide (Regeur et al., 1986) and
63 treated with sulpiride (Robertson et al., 1990b), no cases
of TD were encountered. Treatment of TD and tardive
dystonia can be difficult, but manoeuvres include reduction
and eventual stoppage of the neuroleptic (Miyasaki and
Lang, 1995), prescribing a combination of clozapine and
clonazepam (Shapleske et al., 1996), clonazepam (Thaker
et al., 1990), vitamin E (tocopherol; Egan et al., 1992; Lohr
and Caligiuri, 1996), nifedipine, reserpine and tetrabenazine
(Shale and Tanner, 1996). Yassa and Ananth reviewed the
efficacy of lithium therapy in the treatment of TD. A few
well-designed studies indicate that lithium is useful in certain
TD patients and that the plasma lithium level may be related
to the therapeutic response (Yassa and Ananth, 1980).
(viii) Social and school phobia have both been triggered
by both haloperidol (Mikkelson et al., 1981; Bruun, 1988)
and pimozide (Linet, 1985) in TS patients. Mikkelson and
colleagues described 15 TS patients who developed school
and work avoidance syndromes when treated with low dose
haloperidol (mean 2.5 mg daily) for relatively short periods
of time (mean 8 weeks). The phobic symptoms disappeared
completely with discontinuation or reduction of the
haloperidol dose (Mikkelson et al., 1981). Linet proposed
the term neuroleptic separation anxiety syndrome, which
he suggested was clinically indistinguishable from DSM
criteria for school phobia or separation anxiety disorder. It
was suggested that tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may
have a therapeutic or indeed prophylactic effect (Linet, 1985).
Others, however, have suggested that the syndrome may
actually be one of the many faces of neuroleptic-induced
akathisia (Heiser and Sramek, 1986), while Munro suggested
that it was a variant of depression (Munro, 1986) and Bruun
suggested that it is always associated with dysphoria (Bruun,
1988). This is important as TS children have been
demonstrated to be more phobic than controls with chronic
tic disorder (Spencer et al., 1995), while TS adults have
been shown to be more anxious than control populations
(Robertson et al., 1993, 1997).
(ix) Fog states have also been described with haloperidol
(even at very low doses) and consist of episodes during
which the patients felt out of touch with, but not unaware

440

M. M. Robertson

of, their surroundings for seconds to hours at a time,

accompanied by depersonalization, paranoia and slowed
thinking (Bruun et al., 1976; Feldman, 1977; Bruun, 1988).
These patients respond to the antiepileptic drug, primidone,
which suggests that they are probably partial seizures
(Bruun, 1988).
(x) Hostility and aggression: a few children reported by
Bruun have become hostile and aggressive with haloperidol
or pimozide. With this symptom there was a particular
threshold dose above which aggressive behaviour was
encountered and below which the children were normal
(Bruun, 1988).
(xi) Appetite: an increase in appetite with a resultant
increase in weight is not uncommon in patients treated with
neuroleptics and has been reported with pimozide (Regeur
et al., 1986) and sulpiride (Robertson et al., 1990b). It must
be borne in mind, however, that the aetiology of weight gain
is not fully understood. One strategy for counteracting the
weight gain is by a strict diet and exercise programme
(Kurlan, 1997a).
(xii) ECG abnormalities such as prolongation of the QT
interval can occur with pimozide (Fulop et al., 1987); this
can deter some clinicians from prescribing it, especially in
higher doses. If prescribed, however, baseline ECG as well
as regular ECG monitoring is recommended. This side-effect
is probably related to its calcium channel blocking activity
(Messiha, 1988). As many TS patients require more than one
medication, the physician must always be aware of the
potential difficulties of using drugs in combination with
pimozide because of the effects on the ECG and therefore
the heart. These include, for example, the reporting of sinus
bradycardia with the combination of pimozide and fluoxetine
(Ahmed et al., 1993).
(xiii) Amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea and gynaecomastia
have been reported in 17% of 63 TS patients treated with
sulpiride (Robertson et al., 1990b). Galactorrhoea has also
been subsequently reported (George et al., 1993b). In the
authors clinical practice in adult psychiatry, patients receiving
sulpiride have had particulary high prolactin when they have
had these three side-effects. Endocrine dysfunction such as
impotence has also been reported with pimozide (Ananth,
1982).
(xiv) The neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), first
reported by French psychiatrists in 1960 (Delay et al., 1960),
is a rare but serious adverse effect of neuroleptic medication
which is potentially fatal. It is basically an idiosyncratic
reaction to neuroleptics characterized by muscular rigidity,
fever, autonomic dysfunction, labile blood pressure, sweating,
urinary incontinence, fluctuating level of consciousness,
leucocytosis and an elevated serum creatine phosphokinase
level (the latter being brought about by rhabdomyolysis, i.e.
breakdown of muscle tissue). It affects males more than
females, and patients between the ages of 12 and 78 years
with NMS have been described. Most of the affected patients
have had psychiatric diagnoses, but cases of NMS with
narcolepsy, Huntingtons and Parkinsons disease have also

been documented. The neuroleptics most implicated are

haloperidol and depot fluphenazine (Levenson, 1985; British
National Formulary, 1998). NMS has been reported with
metoclopramide. Successful treatments include essential
discontinuation of the neuroleptic and prescription of drugs
such as dantrolene, bromocriptine and amantadine (Levenson,
1985; Jee, 1987; British National Formulary, 1998).
Differential diagnosis includes severe dystonic reactions. One
of the major aetiological theories is central dopaminergic
blockade, although the exact underlying mechanism remains
unclear (Levenson, 1985).
(xv) Hypotension and hypothermia: although not many TS
patients presenting for treatment are elderly, it is worth
mentioning that hypotension and interference with
temperature are dose related side-effects of some neuroleptics
and can cause falls and hypothermia in the elderly; serious
thought and consideration should be given to prescribing
these drugs to anyone of over 70 years (British National
Formulary, 1998).
(xvi) Tardive TS: neuroleptics are, of course, given for
other conditions such as behavioural problems, autism and
psychotic illness. During treatment for some of these
disorders, tardive TS (Stahl, 1980) has been described
following treatment with several neuroleptics (Stahl, 1980;
De Veaugh-Geiss, 1980; Seeman et al., 1981; Mueller and
Aminoff, 1982; Munetz et al., 1985; Kuniyoshi et al., 1992).
Neuroleptics implicated include chlorpromazine (Klawans
et al., 1978) and haloperidol (Karagianis and Nagpurkar,
1990).

Other agents acting as dopamine antagonists

Tetrabenazine (Nitoman, Tetrabenazine). Tetrabenazine, a
benzoquinolizine derivative, which depletes presynaptic
storage of monoamines and blocks post-synaptic dopamine
receptors, was initially used as an antipsychotic drug in 1960
(Jankovic and Beach, 1997) and then succesfully in tic and
hyperkinetic disorders (Pakkenberg, 1968; Sweet et al., 1974;
Jankovic and Orman, 1988; Shapiro et al., 1988). Jankovic
and colleagues have used tetrabenazine for some time
(Jankovic et al., 1984) and recently it has been used
successfully in a substantial series of TS patients (Jankovic
and Beach, 1997). There have been some suggestions that
tetrabenazine plus a dopamine antagonist, which acts postsynaptically, could be used together, as they may have a
more lasting effect and fewer side-effects, because both drugs
can be given in lower doses (Fog and Regeur, 1986). More
commonly recognized side-effects of tetrabenazine include
depression (Jankovic and Beach, 1997; BNF, 1998),
drowsiness, fatigue, parkinsonism, insomnia, nervousness,
anxiety and akathisia (Jankovic and Beach, 1997). In its
favour, it has not been reported to cause TD (Jankovic and
Beach, 1997).
Piquindone (RO 221319). Piquindone is a pyrroloisoquinoline derivative with D2 receptor antagonist properties
(Messiha, 1988). Uhr and colleagues treated four TS patients
with piquindone. All four experienced clinically obvious

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

reductions of tics; motor tics responded at lower doses than
vocal tics. Sedation that decreased over time was the only
adverse effect and therefore piquindone produced therapeutic
effects without disabling side-effects. All patients expressed
a strong subjective preference for piquindone over haloperidol
(Uhr et al., 1986). To the best of the authors knowledge this
agent is not licensed for use.
Inosine (Immunovir, Isoprinosine, Viralin). Inosine has
been used traditionally in the treatment of viral infections
(Reynolds, 1996), has some immunomodulation properties
(Grieco et al., 1984) and is also said to mimic the action of
some dopamine antagonists (Cheng and Jiang, 1990).
Cheng and Jiang treated 36 TS patients with inosine in
divided doses of 5090 mg/kg daily. Tic scores obtained
from a crossover DBT (11 cases) and open study (25 cases)
suggested that the tics were well controlled in 75% of
patients. At follow-up a year later the efficacy of inosine was
still impressive in 50% of patients (Cheng and Jiang, 1990).
Side-effects of inosine include transient nausea and
vomiting (Reynolds, 1996) and reversible increases in serum
and urinary uric acid (British National Formulary, 1998).

Dopamine agonists
Pergolide (Celance, Parkotil, Permax). Pergolide is a
dopamine agonist with its agonist properties both at D2 and,
to a lesser extent, at D1 receptors, and is used mainly in
Parkinsons disease (Reynolds, 1996). Lipinski and colleagues
used pergolide in 32 TS patients aged 1719 years in a 6week open-label fixed-flexible dosing schedule. Overall 75%
of patients (24 out of 32) had a drop of 50% in all aspects
of tic severity with a mean treatment dose of 177 61 g/
day. Of interest is that the presence of restless legs syndrome
comorbidity (59%) was highly associated with a positive
response (Lipinski et al., 1997).
Side-effects pertinent to TS include dyskinesia and NMS
(British National Formulary, 1998). Abrupt withdrawal of
pergolide may precipitate hallucinations and confusion
(Reynolds, 1996).
Amantadine
(Mantadix,
Symadine,
Symmetral).
Amantadine, another dopamine agonist which also has
antiviral properties, has modest effects when used in
Parkinsons disease, but not drug induced extrapyramidal
symptoms (Reynolds, 1996; British National Formulary,
1998). Trials with amantadine are under way in the USA in
the treatment of TS. To the best of the authors knowledge
there is only one publication of its use in TS in which it was
found not to be useful (Walsh et al., 1986).
Selegiline (Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Movergan). Selegiline is a
dose-dependent selective irreversible inhibitor of monoamine
oxidase, type B, which is another dopamine agonist
(Reynolds, 1996). The main use of this agent is in the
treatment of Parkinsons disease (Reynolds, 1996; British
National Formulary, 1998).
Jankovic first reported the successful use of selegiline
(8 mg/day) in 26 out of 29 (i.e. 90%) youngsters with TS
and ADHD, in an open trial (Jankovic, 1993).

441

Feigin and colleagues conducted a placebo-controlled

crossover DBT using selegiline for ADHD in 24 youngsters
with a mean age of 12 years with comorbid TS. The design
included two 8-week treatment periods separated by a 6-week
washout period. Measures for ADHD and tic severity were
total scores on the DuPaul Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Scale and the YGTSS. Fifteen subjects completed the study.
The primary analysis revealed, from the DuPaul Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Scale, no statistically significant
beneficial effect of selegiline. However, further post hoc
analyses revealed that the effect of selegeline in the first period
was substantial. There was also a marginally statistically
significant beneficial effect of selegiline on the motor tics as
evidenced by the YGTSS total score. Some patients, however,
had an increase in tics (Feigin et al., 1996).
Talipexole. Talipexole is a new dopamine agonist that
is under investigation for use in Parkinsons disease and
schizophrenia (Reynolds, 1996).
Goetz and colleagues evaluated talipexole in a placebocontrolled DBT in 13 TS adult men. The drug was poorly
tolerated because of clinically significant sedation and
dizziness. Tics did not improve at tolerable doses (Goetz
et al., 1994). To the best of the authors knowledge this drug
is not licensed for use in patients with TS.
SKF 39393. Braun and colleagues used a selective D1
dopamine receptor autoagonist, SKF 39393, in patients
including TS individuals, and no consistent changes of tics
could be discerned (Braun et al., 1989). To the best of the
authors knowledge this agent is not licensed for use in
patients with TS.

Treatment of TS and its comorbid conditions with

special reference to ADHD, OCB and SIB
Noradrenergic-modulating drugs
Clonidine (Barclyd, Catapres, Catapresan, Dixarit).
Inconsistent with the dopamine hypothesis is the fact that
other agents have proved useful in treating TS, especially
clonidine, an -2 adrenoceptor agonist (Leckman et al., 1985;
Lichter and Jackson, 1996), which is of special use when the
TS patient also has ADHD (Robertson and Eapen, 1992).
Clonidine is conventionally used as an oral preparation,
but can also be used as a transdermal patch (Dillon, 1990;
Gancher et al., 1990). Clonidine is not licensed in the UK
for the treatment of TS, although the BNF sanctions its use
(British National Formulary, 1998); its main indications are
migraine, menopausal flushing and hypertension. Although
many clinicians worldwide now use clonidine, its
effectiveness for the motor and vocal tics of TS has been
questioned (Goetz, 1992). In the authors TS clinic it is the
preferred drug for children with TS and ADHD, commencing
at a dose of 25 g/day and building up the dose slowly to
around 100150 g/day. For hypertension, the maximum
daily dose can be 1.2 mg (British National Formulary, 1998).
One of the earliest reports of the successful use of clonidine

442

M. M. Robertson

in TS was that of Cohen and colleagues in which clonidine

reduced TS symptoms in 70% of a sample of 25 patients;
symptoms which responded included not only the tics,
but associated behaviours such as OCS/OCB, irritability,
aggressiveness, frustration tolerance, oppositional behaviours
as well as difficulties in family and peer functioning (Cohen
et al., 1980, 1981).
There have been several DBTs which have shown clonidine
to be superior to comparator agents (McKeith et al., 1981;
Borison et al., 1983; Leckman et al., 1991), while others
have found it not to be effective (Dysken et al., 1980; Goetz
et al., 1987; Singer et al., 1995b).
Leckman and colleagues suggest that ~50% or more
TS patients experience substantial, long-term symptomatic
improvement with minimal side-effects with clonidine.
However, their profile of response is often variable, with
behavioural symptoms appearing to show the most consistent
improvement. Maximal benefit may not be evident for 46
months. A minority of patients do not respond and a few
worsen on clonidine (Leckman et al., 1982).
Shapiro and colleagues conducted an open trial of clonidine
and neuroleptics in patients with TS. Neuroleptics resulted
in greater improvement across the range of symptoms in a
larger proportion of patients than did clonidine (Shapiro
et al., 1983b).
Leckman and colleagues treated 13 TS patients with
clonidine (0.1250.3 mg/day) for at least 60 weeks. In a
single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, six of the 13 patients
(46%) were judged to be unequivocal responders to clonidine
and six other patients had an equivocal response. There was
significant improvement in motor and phonic tics, as well as
in associated behaviour problems, and there were no serious
side-effects. Tolerance to clonidine did not develop (Leckman
et al., 1985).
Goetz and colleagues evaluated 30 TS patients during a
6-month placebo-controlled crossover study of clonidine.
Videotapes were obtained at each 3-week visit and were
evaluated randomly at the end of the study for distribution,
frequency and severity of motor and vocal tics. Quantifiable
psychometric examinations were also performed. Clonidine
did not significantly reduce motor tics, vocalizations or
behaviour. The effect of a low dose was no different from
that of a high dose, childrens responses were no different
from adults, and those also receiving neuroleptic agents
showed the same lack of efficacy as seen in patients on no
other medication (Goetz et al., 1987).
Leckman and colleagues compared clonidine (35 g/kg/
day) with placebo in 47 TS patients aged 748 years. Twentyfour subjects took clonidine and 23 placebo. Forty individuals
(21 clonidine, 19 placebo) completed the 12-week trial.
Clinical ratings of tic severity improved for both groups. The
magnitude of response was greater in the clonidine group.
Clinician-rated measures of motor tic severity, the degree to
which the tics are noticeable to others, motor tic counts
from videotaped interviews, and parent-rated measures of

impulsivity and hyperactivity were the most responsive to

clonidine (Leckman et al., 1991).
Thus, it appears that clonidine improves tics and ADHD
and may also exert beneficial effects on the behavioural
abnormalities, perhaps more so than on the motor and vocal
tics (Cohen et al., 1980; Leckman et al., 1982, 1985;
Messiha, 1988).
Side-effects of clonidine important in TS include sedation,
dizziness, depression, bradycardia, nocturnal unrest and
euphoria, and sudden withdrawal can lead to a hypertensive
crisis (British National Formulary, 1998). It has been
recommended that ECG, blood pressure and pulse baseline,
in addition to regular monitoring, should be carried out if
clonidine is used (Taylor et al., 1998). In the authors
clinic, however, only blood pressure and pulse are regularly
monitored.
Guanfacine (Tenex). Guanfacine is also an -2
adrenoceptor agonist, but possibly without the hypotensive
or sedative efffects of clonidine, and it has been shown to
be useful in the treatment of both ADHD (Horrigan and
Barnhill, 1995; Hunt et al., 1995; Cohn and Caliendo, 1997)
and TS (Chappell et al., 1995b).
Chappell and colleagues conducted an open-label study of
guanfacine in 10 children with TS plus ADHD, aged 816
years. The duration of follow-up was 420 weeks and
the majority of patients were treated with 1.5 mg/day.
Standardized ratings of tic severity and ADHD symptoms
were obtained. Blind Continuous Performance Tests were
performed at baseline and at two follow-up intervals in
eight subjects. Guanfacine was associated with significant
decreases in both commission and omission errors on the
Continuous Performance Test. In addition, guanfacine caused
a significant decrease in severity of motor and phonic tics.
The most common side-effects were transient sedation and
headaches (Chappell et al., 1995b).

Stimulants. The use of stimulants such as methylphenidate

(Ritalin, Ritaline, Rubifen), dexamphetamine (Dexamin,
Dexidrene, Dextrostat) and pemoline (Cylert, Dynalert,
Volital) in children with TS and ADHD has long been
controversial (Robertson and Eapen, 1992), as they may
worsen the tics, while improving the hyperactivity and
concentration. This was felt to represent an absolute
contraindication, but recently cautious use of these agents in
this context has been advocated (Freeman, 1997).
Borcherding and colleagues reported the occurrence of
abnormal movements (orofacial, stereotypic, tics, tremor)
and perseverative/compulsive behaviours, or both, in 34 out
of 45 (76%) ADHD boys (mean age 8.6 years), during a
crossover DBT of methylphenidate and dexamphetamine.
Chronic motor tics and TS were exclusionary criteria. All
subjects were medication free for 3 weeks before the study.
These adverse effects were often subtle and transient, and
they usually occurred only on one drug. This necessitated
discontinuation in only one case. Dexamphetamine tended to
produce more compulsive behaviours, which were also more

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

likely to resemble clinical OCD, than did methylphenidate.
Abnormal movements and compulsive behaviours tended to
co-occur on methylphenidate only (Borcherding et al., 1990).
Gadow and colleagues studied 11 prepubertal hyperactive
boys with tic disorder who received placebo and three doses
of methylphenidate (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg) for 2 weeks
each, under double-blind conditions. Each boy was observed
for ~20 h in the school setting. Results indicated that
methylphenidate effectively suppressed hyperactive/
disruptive behaviours and physical aggression. Methylphenidate also reduced the occurrence of vocal tics in two
settings. None of the motor tic measures revealed drug
effects. On an operationally defined minimal effective dose,
only one boy experienced motor tic exacerbation (Gadow
et al., 1992).
Gadow and colleagues also studied 34 prepubertal children
with ADHD and tic disorder who received placebo and three
doses of methylphenidate twice daily for 2 weeks, each under
double-blind conditions. Methylphenidate resulted in marked
reductions of hyperactive, disruptive and aggressive
behaviour; there were no non-responders. The only observed
changes in tics were a small but statistically significant
increase in the frequency of motor tics and a tendency for
fewer vocal tics. However, these changes in motor tic
frequency were not perceived by care providers as a
worsening in the severity of the childs tic disorder. Most
doseresponse relationships were linear, but the mean
minimal effective dose was 0.3 mg/kg (Gadow et al., 1995).
Castellanos and colleagues conducted a 9-week placebocontrolled crossover DBT in 20 subjects in three cohorts,
evaluating the effect of methylphenidate and dexamphetamine
on tic severity in boys with ADHD and TS. Fairly high doses
of methylphenidate and dexamphetamine in the first cohort
resulted in significant increases in tic severity which were
sustained on higher doses of dexamphetamine, but which
attenuated on methylphenidate. Fourteen of 20 subjects
continued stimulant treatment for 13 years, generally in
combination with other psychotropics. Stimulant-associated
adverse effects, including tic exacerbations, were reversible
in all cases (Castellanos et al., 1997).
It has been suggested that when treating ADHD with
stimulants, controlled release preparations and the adjunctive
use of clonidine are helpful to extend stimulant effects and
control the adverse effects (Carrey et al., 1996). Clinicians
have been successfully using a combination of clonidine and
stimulants safely, for many years, to treat children with
ADHD; it has been suggested that clonidine both works
synergistically with stimulants to reduce behavioural
symptoms, and helps with the initiation of sleep (Popper,
1995). Consequent on three deaths reported in children
receiving the combination, Popper carefully goes through all
the evidence, and ends by suggesting that the deaths were
probably not in fact due to the combination (Popper, 1995).
He very carefully thereafter considers the safety and sense
of the combination, providing valuable guidelines for the
clinician.

443

In the UK pemoline has been withdrawn from the market.

Side-effects of the stimulant include dependence, psychotic
states and growth retardation (British National Formulary,
1998).

Antidepressants. Antidepressants have been used to treat

the depression, the ADHD and particularly the OCS/OCB
aspects of TS.
TCAs. (i) Desipramine [Norpramine, Pertofran
(discontinued in UK because of lack of commercial viability)].
Desipramine, a TCA, has been shown to be useful in treating
ADHD symptoms (Biederman et al., 1986) and has also
withstood the rigours of DBTs (Biederman et al., 1989a, b;
Gualtieri et al., 1991), in which it was shown to be
significantly superior to placebo. An early report suggested
that desipramine helped the ADHD and tic symptoms of a
boy with TS (Hoge and Biederman, 1986).
Subsequently, Singer and colleagues compared clonidine
and desipramine, used to modify ADHD behaviours in 37
children with TS plus ADHD, in a placebo-controlled DBT.
Several markers for ADHD were shown to improve
significantly after treatment with desipramine, and
desipramine was always superior to clonidine. On measures
of tic severity, neither drug made tics worse. Desipramine
showed a statistically significant improvement on a global
linear analogue scale, but not with standardized tic severity
ratings. Clonidine did not significantly alter tic severity with
any measure (Singer et al., 1995b). Problems such as acute
collapse and sudden death have, however, been reported with
the use of desipramine in children (Riddle et al., 1991).
Other TCAs such as imipramine (Imipramine, Tofranil)
(Dillon et al., 1985) and nortryptiline (Allegron) (Spencer
et al., 1993) have also been used succesfully in children with
TS and ADHD.
(ii) Clomipramine (Anafranil). The most widely
investigated antidepressant for the treatment of pure OCD is
the TCA clomipramine (Montgomery, 1980; Thoren et al.,
1980; Flament et al., 1985). The main problem with the
drug, however, is the side-effect profile (e.g. drowsiness,
dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention,
sweating) and the danger in overdose [cardiac (arrythmias,
heart block), seizures; British National Formulary, 1998]. In
the authors experience, it is therefore not first choice.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. OCD is
generally now thought to be unresponsive to psychodynamic
psychotherapies, but it does respond to behaviour therapy,
especially exposure and response prevention, and to
medications such as clomipramine and the SSRIs (Greist
et al., 1995).
The SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Fluctine, Prozac, Prozyn),
fluvoxamine (Faverin, Fevarin, Luvox), sertraline (Gladem,
Lustral, Zoloft), paroxetine (Aropax, Paxil, Seroxat) and
citalopram (Cipramil, Seropram) appear to be effective as
antidepressants, are less sedative than TCAs, and have
few antimuscarinic effects and low cardiotoxicity. They are

444

M. M. Robertson

particularly useful in targetting the depression and OCS/OCB

of TS and are used regularly. By and large, the doses given
for depression are lower (e.g. fluoxetine 20 mg per day),
while the doses for OCD are higher (e.g. fluoxetine 60 mg
per day) (British National Formulary, 1998). Fluoxetine and
fluvoxamine have been documented most frequently in TS.
Delgado and colleagues described a 25-year-old man
with TS who presented for treatment of OCD symptoms.
Fluvoxamine worsened tics, led to coprolalia and did not
help the OCD. The addition of pimozide reduced both OCD
and TS symptoms. Double-blind sequential discontinuation
of fluvoxamine and pimozide confirmed that pimozide alone
reduced only tics and the combination of fluvoxamine and
pimozide was required for the improvement in OCD (Delgado
et al., 1990).
Following a report of the successful use of fluoxetine
in the OCS/OCB in TS patients (Riddle et al., 1988),
Riddle and colleagues subsequently gave fluoxetine 1040
mg per day to 10 consecutive youngsters below the age
of 15 years with either OCD or TS. Five of the 10
patients were responders. Response rates were similar in
the pure OCD group (two out of four, 50%) and the TS
plus OCD group (three out of six, 50%). Fluoxetine was
well tolerated, with adverse effects including behavioural
agitation or activation in four patients and mild
gastrointestinal symptoms in two (Riddle et al., 1990).
Como and Kurlan undertook an open-label trial of
fluoxetine (2040 mg/day) in 32 TS patients who also had
OCD. After 1 week of treatment, six (15%) withdrew due
to perceived lack of benefits. Data were therefore analysed
on 26 patients (13 children, 13 adults) who were treated
for 38 months. There was a significant reduction in
Leyton Obsessional Inventory scores for both groups and
81% of patients reported a subjective improvement in
obsessions and compulsions (Como and Kurlan, 1991).
Kurlan and colleauges conducted a randomized 4-month
DBT of fluoxetine (2040 mg/day) and placebo in 11
children with TS and OCS/OCB. No significant differences
between treatment groups were observed for measures of
OCS/OCB. Fluoxetine therapy, however, was associated
with a trend towards some improvement in tic severity,
attentional abilities and social functioning (Kurlan et al.,
1993).
McDougle and colleagues conducted a retrospective
case-controlled analysis and evaluated fluvoxamine in 33
patients with OCD and a comorbid tic disorder, and 33
patients also with OCD but without a comorbid tic disorder.
Both groups of patients demonstrated statistically significant
reductions in OCS/OCB, depressive and anxiety symptoms
with fluvoxamine. The frequency and magnitude of response
of OCS/OCB was, however, significantly different between
the groups. A clinically meaningful improvement in OCS/
OCB occurred in only 21% of OCD patients with comorbid
chronic tics compared with a 52% response rate in OCD
patients without chronic tics. Moreover, OCD patients with
a concurrent chronic tic disorder showed only a 17%

reduction in YaleBrown ObsessiveCompulsive Scale

scores compared with a 32% decrease in the severity of
OCS in those OCD patients without chronic tics (McDougle
et al., 1993). McDougle and colleagues then undertook a
study involving 62 patients with a principle DSM diagnosis
of OCD and gave placebo for a week followed by
8 weeks of fluvoxamine in identical capsules. There had
been no 1-week placebo responders. Thirty-four patients
were refractory to fluvoxamine and were then entered into
a 4-week double-blind placebo-controlled 2 mg haloperidol
addition phase. Haloperidol addition was significantly
superior to the placebo in reducing the severity of of
OCS/OCB on the YaleBrown ObsessiveCompulsive Scale;
of particular importance is that all eight of the patients
(i.e. 100%) with comorbid chronic tics such as in TS,
responded to the haloperidol. Haloperidol was not useful
in treating OCD symptoms in the absence of tics.
Fluvoxamine blood levels were not related to treatment
response (McDougle et al., 1994).
Silvestri and colleagues described two TS patients in
whom treatment with fluoxetine in association with
clomipramine led to a marked reduction of both abnormal
movements and OCS/OCB (Silvestri et al., 1994).
Fluvoxamine (George et al., 1993b) and fluoxetine
(Eapen et al., 1996) were particularly useful in patients
with TS and OCS/OCB, often in combination with DA
antagonists such as sulpiride (George et al., 1993b; Eapen
et al., 1996), haloperidol and pimozide, as well as with
clonidine (Eapen et al., 1996).
A recent study has demonstrated that fluoxetine has no
effect on reducing the tic symptomatology of TS, but has
very good effects on the OCS/OCB aspects, with the only
real side-effect being transient behavioural activation, which
occurred in about 50% of subjects and was more common
in children (Scahill et al., 1997).
As a note of caution, however, the emergence of
symptoms of TS and the aggravation of the OCS/OCB
during fluvoxamine treatment of a 14-year-old boy with
OCD has been described (Fennig et al., 1994).
Side-effects of the SSRIs include gastrointestinal sideeffects (diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, which are dose
related), headache, restlessness and anxiety; they do not
cause weight gain (British National Formulary, 1998). It
is particularly important when discussing treatment of TS,
however, to note that EPSEs have been reported with the
SSRIs when used alone (Lipinski et al., 1989; Reccoppa
et al., 1990; Choo, 1993) and especially when used in
combination with neuroleptics in both adults and children
(Bouchard et al., 1989; Tate, 1989; Shihabuddin and
Rapport, 1994; Budman et al., 1995).
Of note is that the exacerbation of tics following
antidepressant therapy has been reported (Mu ller, 1992).
A confusional state has been reported in TS patients
receiving diazepam with fluvoxamine (Wright and Peet,
1989) and by the addition of fluvoxamine to tiapride and
clonazepam (Mu ller, 1992).

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

Less commonly used agents in TS

Benzodiazepines and GABA modulating agents
Diazepam (Valium). A DBT of diazepam (a benzodiazepine)
versus placebo at 2 mg t.d.s. (three times a day) showed no
effect, but at 5 mg was helpful in reducing TS symptoms
(Connell et al., 1967). Lorazepam (Ativan) 1.510 mg/day
may also be used to help TS symptoms (Bazire, 1997).
Whether or not this is due to a direct action on TS symptoms
or is merely an anxiolytic effect is not clear. There are,
however, problems with long-term prescription of
benzodiazepines including addiction and tolerance.
Clonazepam (Antelepsin, Klonopin, Rivotril). Clonazepam,
a benzodiazepine which acts primarily as an agonist on -2
adrenoceptors, but also acts on GABA receptors (Messiha,
1988), has been used to treat all forms of epilepsy (BNF,
1998) and other movement disorders such as myoclonus,
dystonia and blepharospasm (Browne, 1978; Merikangas and
Reynolds, 1979).
Gonce and Barbeau first reported the successful use of
clonazepam in seven TS patients (Gonce and Barbeau, 1977),
followed by Dion and Chouinard (Dion and Chouinard, 1987,
1988). In general, it was felt that clonazepam was well
tolerated and produced no TD. Drtilkova and colleagues
compared clonazepam and clonidine in 20 children (mean
age 11 years), 14 with chronic tic disorder and six with TS.
Clonazepam was significantly superior to clonidine and
produced fewer side-effects (Drtilkova et al., 1994).
Merikangas and colleagues conducted a single-blind
investigation of 20 TS patients. As TS patients had previously
been reported to have high red blood cell choline levels, red
blood cell choline was measured. Patients with high red
blood cell to plasma choline ratios responded significantly
better to clonazepam than to haloperidol, and the clonazepam
responders were significantly more likely to have a family
history of TS or tics (Merikangas et al., 1985). Of 54 TS
patients treated with clonazepam in three studies, there was
a good response of between 53 and 71% (Goetz, 1992).
Jankovic and Rohaidy reported that TS patients with mild
symptoms improved with clonidine or clonazepam, whereas
those with more severe symptomatology required
fluphenazine, pimozide, haloperidol or tetrabenazine
(Jankovic and Rohaidy, 1987). On the other hand,
clonazepam-induced TS symptoms in a 37-year-old subject
with hyperexplexia or abnormal startle response have been
described (Gillman and Sandyk, 1987). Clonazepam has also
been used to treat tardive Tourette-like syndrome (Kuniyoshi
et al., 1992).
Side-effects of clonazepam important in TS include
drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, paradoxical aggression,
irritability and mental changes (British National Formulary,
1998).

Other GABA modulating drugs

Progabide. Mondrup and colleagues evaluated progabide (a
GABA receptor agonist) in 17 patients with hyperkinetic
movement disorders, including four with TS. Doses ranged

445

from 900 to 3600 mg/day (median 2400 mg/day) and

treatment lasted from 2 to 52 weeks; improvement in tics
occurred in two of four (50%) TS patients (Mondrup et al.,
1985). Others have also suggested its use (Fog and Regeur,
1986).
Baclofen (Baclofen, Lioresal). Baclofen is also a derivative
of GABA but this GABA agonist has not proved useful in a
small number of patients (Shapiro et al., 1988).

Other medications
Nicotine. It has been suggested that the pathophysiology of
TS may be linked to a relative imbalance between cholinergic
and dopaminergic activity within the striatum and that nicotine
may alter this imbalance (Dursun and Reveley, 1996).
Animal experiments in the late 1980s and early 1990s
demonstrated that nicotine potentiated haloperidol-induced
catalepsy and reduced locomotor activity (Manderscheid
et al., 1988; Sanberg et al., 1989; Emerich et al., 1991). At
around the same time, there was a case report that chewing
nicotine gum reduces tics (Brill, 1988). Devor and Isenberg
reported a male TS patient whose symptoms reduced
markedly when he smoked cigarettes (Devor and Isenberg,
1989).
In open studies involving small numbers of TS patients
who were being treated with haloperidol, the frequency of
tics was reduced significantly during a 30-min nicotine
gum (Nicorette) chewing period and the hour afterwards,
suggesting once again that nicotine appears to potentiate the
effects of haloperidol (Sanberg et al., 1988, 1989; McConville
et al., 1991); the methods involved, however, have been
criticized (Arevalo et al., 1992; Rickards, 1992). In addition,
many discontinued the gum because of side-effects, especially
nausea and a bitter taste in the mouth (Sanberg et al., 1989;
McConville et al., 1991). Subsequent DBTs suggested that
nicotine markedly potentiated haloperidol effects in treating
TS and showed lesser effects on symptoms when used alone;
placebo gum had no effect (McConville et al., 1992). Mainly
because of the unacceptable side-effects of gum, transdermal
nicotine patches (TNP) were subsequently used (Silver and
Sanberg, 1993; Dursun et al., 1994; Reveley et al., 1994);
at a dose of 710 mg/24 h, although there was a broad range
in individual response, TS patients improved significantly
for up to 14 weeks, but not as long as 16 weeks, and sideeffects were transient (Silver et al., 1996; Dursun and Reveley,
1997). Other side-effects of TNPs include headache, lightheadedness, sweating, tremor and sleep disturbances (Davila
et al., 1994).
A recent study, on the other hand, evaluated the effect of
nicotine smoking in 47 TS patients; of the 28 smoking
patients only two (7%) reported a tic reduction when smoking
cigarettes (Muller-Vahl et al., 1997).
Nicotine is also available as a nasal spray and an inhaler
is under development (Benowitz, 1996); to the best of the
authors knowledge, neither of these applications has been
used in TS.

446

M. M. Robertson

A nicotine antagonist, mecamyline (marketed as an

antihypertensive agent in the USA), was prescribed in 13 TS
patients. Improvements were noted in tics, mood, irritability
and aggression (Sanberg et al., 1998).
It does appear that agents acting on the nicotine receptors
may well be useful in the treatment of TS, especially when
used as an augmenting agent to neuroleptics. More research,
however, is needed in the area.
Calcium channel blockers (Verapamil, nifedipine,
flunarizine). Goldstein and Berg both documented the
successful use of nifedipine (Adalat, Adipine, Cardilate) in
TS (Goldstein, 1984; Berg, 1985). Walsh and colleagues
reported tic, irritability and compulsive symptom reduction
with Verapamil (Cordilox, Securon, Univer, Verapress; 20
mg t.d.s.) in an 11-year-old boy, and tic and inner tension
reduction in a woman by treatment with nifedipine (10 mg
t.d.s.), but not with diltiazam (Adizem, Tildiem) (180 mg/
day) (Walsh et al., 1986).
After a suggestion that nifedipine augments haloperidol in
the treatment of TS, the successful combination of nifedipine
and haloperidol in treating a patient with TS was reported
(Alessi et al., 1988, 1989). Micheli and colleagues evaluated
seven TS patients aged 1231 years, before treatment, after
1 month on placebo, after a single 10 mg nifedipine dose
(three subjects) and monthly while on flunarizine 1015 mg
(mean dose 13 mg). None of the patients receiving nifedipine
improved, but treatment with flunarizine significantly
decreased both motor and phonic tic severity and frequency
in all but one patient. Adverse effects occurred in four
patients and included mild transient headaches, depression
and bradykinesia (Micheli et al., 1990).
Buspirone (Axoren, Buspar). Buspirone is an anxiolytic/
antidepressant which is a 5-HT1A partial agonist and a
dopamine D2 presynaptic autoreceptor antagonist. As there
is some evidence that tic-like movements in animals (such
as head shakes and wet dog shakes) are blocked by buspirone
(Handley and Dursun, 1992), buspirone was tried and found
to be useful in a patient who was refractory to other treatment
(Dursun et al., 1995).
Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Oculinum). Botulinum
toxin injections were pioneered by Scott and colleagues
(Scott, 1981; Scott et al., 1990), and in TS by Jankovic and
colleagues (see below). They have been used for some time
in focal dystonia (Jankovic and Brin, 1991) and orallingual
dyskinesia (Ludlow et al., 1988). More recently they have
proved useful in TS, targeting the symptoms of
blepharospasm, neck and facial muscles (Jankovic, 1994;
Jankovic and Hallett, 1994; Poungvarin et al., 1995; Awaad
and Michon, 1996). Scott and colleagues reported on a 13year-old boy with severe coprolalia, OCD and ADHD who
was considerably improved by unilateral vocal cord injections
of botulinum toxin; not only was his coprolalia improved,
but also the premonitory sensations that were associated with
the vocal tics and coprolalia (Scott et al., 1996). Trimble and
colleagues reported a 34-year-old man who had severe TS
with OCS/OCB and disabling coprolalia. He was injected with

3.75 mouse units of botulinum toxin into both thyroarytenoid

muscles via an anterior cricothyroid puncture technique under
local anaesthetic using EMG control. His therapeutic response
was excellent and not only reduced coprolalia, but also aided
the general symptoms (Trimble et al., 1998). On the other
hand, Chappell and colleagues treated two males with
botulinum toxin, both of whom had frequent and forceful
tics involving a specific body area (shoulder in one patient,
lower thigh in the other); an injection of botulinum toxin
was given into these areas. Neither patient had a reduction
of tics or premonitory urges (Chappell et al., 1997).
Drugs affecting the opioid system. Early work by Sandyk
reported the successful use of naltrexone, naloxone and
oxycodone on TS symptoms (Sandyk, 1986a, b; Sandyk
et al., 1986a, b).
Kurlan and colleagues investigated the effect of drugs
acting on the endogenous opioid system in 10 TS adults who
received propoxyphene (260 mg/day), naltrexone (50 mg/
day) and placebo in a randomized DBT. Using a self-report
scale, subjects reported a significant reduction of tics after
treatment with naltrexone when compared with placebo. An
improvement in the Trail Making B test, which is a measure
of attention and visuomotor sequencing and planning,
occurred after receiving naltrexone when compared with
placebo or propoxyphene (Kurlan et al., 1991). Pentazocine
has also been reported as a useful drug (Bazire, 1987).
Meuldijk and Colon reported the case of a man whose TS
symptoms responded to methadone after he had not responded
to many traditional drugs (Meuldijk and Colon, 1992).
McConville and colleagues reported two TS patients who
responded to the sequential use of opioid agonists and
antagonists. A male responded to naltrexone initially and
later codeine sulphate, while a female responded to codeine
sulphate initially and naltrexone 100 mg/day later
(McConville et al., 1994).
Risks with opioids are the addiction potential and the risk
of tic exacerbation after sudden withdrawal (McConville
et al., 1994).
Lithium (Camcolit, Liskonum, Lithobid, Priadel,
Quilonum). The use of lithium in TS is not common. Few
have documented the usefulness of lithium in a small number
of TS patients (Erickson et al., 1977; Hamra et al., 1983;
Varma and Messiha, 1983), with lithium blood levels at 0.8
0.9 mEq/l. Kerbeshian and Burd described 13 boys with TS
some of whom also had bipolar disorder; interestingly, when
they were treated with lithium, the tic symptomatology
improved in seven; blood levels ranged between 0.8 and 1.2
mEq/l (Kerbeshian and Burd, 1988, 1989). The use of lithium,
however, was not useful in controlling tic symptomatology
in other cases (Borison et al., 1983).
Drugs affecting cholinergic mechanisms. Cholinergic
modulating drugs such as physostigmine (Stahl and Berger,
1980, 1981) have proved useful, while others such as
dimethylaminoethanol (Deanol; Finney et al., 1981) and
lecithin (Polinsky et al., 1980) have not been useful.
Carbamazepine (Epitol, Tegretol, Timonil). Neglia and

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

colleagues described three patients who experienced the onset
(n 1) or exacerbation (n 2) of multiple motor and vocal
tics 24 weeks after the commencement of carbamazepine
therapy for control of suspected seizures; no patient had
signs or symptoms of carbamazepine toxicity (Neglia et al.,
1984). On the other hand, cases have been reported where
carbamazepine has reduced the TS symptoms (Lutz and
Feldman, 1977).
Marijuana. An early study by Consroe and colleagues
suggested that cannabidiol may be useful in dystonic
movement disorders (Consroe et al., 1986). Sandyk and
Awerbach then described three TS patients who had
incomplete responses to conventional anti-TS medications
and who then reported a significant reduction in both motor
and vocal tics following recreational use of marijuana; the
authors, however, note that the patients may have used
marijuana to reduce the stress and anxiety that occurred
secondary to TS, as all three reported reduced anxiety when
using marijuana (Sandyk and Awerbach, 1988). Moss and
colleagues then suggested that cannabinoids may increase
the effectiveness of neuroleptics in TS (Moss et al., 1989).
Hemming and Yellowlees reported a 36-year-old man who
failed to respond to either haloperidol or pimozide, but who,
several years later, found that his nightly intake of marijuana
rendered him absolutely symptom free (Hemming and
Yellowlees, 1993). In the authors clinical experience several
patients have reported a reduction in symptoms with the
recreational use of marijuana. It has also been documented,
however, that cannabis has no effect on tics and increases
the individuals inner tension (Meuldijk and Colon, 1992). A
recent study evaluated the effect of marijuana smoking in 47
TS patients; of the 13 patients taking marijuana, 11 (85%)
reported a marked tic reduction (Muller-Vahl et al., 1997).
Melatonin. Children with TS and ADHD often have sleep
problems, especially in initiating sleep. Certain drugs may
be helpful in reducing the next-day effects of sleep deprivation
such as melatonin. A preliminary study using melatonin in
multidisabled children and early results in TS and ADHD are
promising, with no significant side-effects (Freeman, 1997).
Combination/augmentation therapies. Several combination
strategies have been used in TS including nicotine and
haloperidol (Silver and Sanberg, 1993), and nicotine and
sulpiride (Dursun and Reveley, 1996); recently, the safe use
of pergolide and both stimulants and clonidine has been
reported (Lipinski et al., 1997). Safe use of a combination
of tiapride, haloperidol and clonazepam has been reported
(Mu ller, 1992). Successful use of SSRIs plus risperidone has
also been described for treatment of TS (Stein et al., 1997).
Kurlan, however, cautions that an acute parkinsonistic
syndrome may be induced by the combination of a SSRI and
a neuroleptic in adult TS patients (Kurlan, 1998).

Uncommon treatments for TS

Immunomodulatory, antiobotic and antiviral therapy. As has
been discussed, several authors have suggested that certain
group A -haemolytic streptococcal infections and some viral

447

infections may precipitate or exacerbate some cases of TS

(e.g. PANDAS).
Following on from these suggestions, youngsters with TS/
OCD aged 1014 years, who all had evidence of recent
group A -haemolytic streptococcal or viral infection, were
treated with plasmapheresis (n 2), intravenous
immunoglobulin (n 1), prednisolone (Allen et al., 1995)
and penicillin (Swedo and Kiessling, 1994) with good results.
Budman and colleagues have reported the successful use
of the antiviral agent acyclovir (Budman et al., 1997), while
Riedel and colleagues have used the antibiotic ceftriaxone in
patients with TS symptomotalogy (Riedel et al., 1998).
These suggested medications have only been used in a
small number of patients with very specific indications;
results are still to be replicated in other laboratories and the
treatments assessed in controlled studies in larger samples
of patients.
Hormonal therapy. Based on evidence implicating
abnormal gonadotrophic functioning in TS, Sandyk and
colleagues studied luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating
hormone, luteinizing hormone releasing hormone and
testosterone; abnormalities suggested a hypothalamicmediated luteinizing hormone releasing hormone deficiency.
The antioestrogenic agent clomiphene citrate (Clomid) was
successful in treating TS symptoms (Sandyk et al., 1987).
Peterson and colleagues reported the first use in TS of the
non-steroidal androgen receptor blocking agent flutamide
(Eulexin, Fugerel). One male and one female underwent open
trials of the drug and a second male participated in a placebocontrolled crossover DBT. Improvement in tic symptoms
ranged from 45 to 60%. The improvement was sustained in
the woman during daily flutamide ingestion and in one of
the men during intermittent use. The symptoms of one of
the men became refractory to treatment after 5 weeks of
flutamide and the woman became depressed and had
protracted diarrhoea during her treatment (Peterson et al.,
1994).
Laser therapy of TS. One of the most novel recent
treatments of TS has been laser therapy in Russia. Bondarenko
and colleagues reported successful low-intensity infrared
laser irradiation of blood, used to correct the antioxidative
system in TS. Index patients (receiving laser therapy) received
lower doses of neuroleptics in contrast to controls (no laser
therapy) who required higher neuroleptic doses (Bondarenko
et al., 1997). This of course is interesting, but must be viewed
as experimental at this stage and is not used or advocated
by experts, including the author.
Acupuncture. Wu and colleagues treated 156 TS patients
with acupuncture in China. The success rate was 92.3%. The
cure rate in children aged 1115 years was markedly higher
than in children aged 610 years. Among the 84 cases with
an abnormal EEG, the pathological waves in 54 (64%)
disappeared or improved after acupuncture treatment (Wu
et al., 1996). Although fascinating, once again this is a single
report and experts in the field, including the author, do not
use this method.

448

M. M. Robertson

Psychosurgery. In a few TS cases which are severe, have

severe OCS/OCB and usually SIB as well, psychosurgery
has been used successfully, including in the authors clinic
(Robertson et al., 1990a). However, as there have been 40
such operations ever performed in TS patients, a more
formalized approach has been suggested, with a rigorous and
standardized protocol (Rauch et al., 1995).
General prescribing habits. Jankovic and Rohaidy
documented their experience with 112 TS patients. Most
patients required a trial of more than one medication before
a satisfactory improvement was reached. Thirty-four out of
112 (30%) received haloperidol, of whom 30 (88%) responded
well; 24 out of 28 (86%) responded well on fluphenazine;
18 out of 27 (67%) responded to clonidine; 12 out of 15
(80%) responded to tetrabenazine; 10 out of 13 (77%)
responded to clonazepam; and seven out of nine (78%)
responded to pimozide. In summary, clonazepam and
clonidine were tolerated relatively well, but only one-third
had an excellent response. Pimozide, fluphenazine and
tetrabenazine seemed most effective but were associated with
more adverse reactions. Haloperidol had the highest incidence
of side-effects. There were no ECG abnrmalities attributable
to pimozide (Jankovic and Rohaidy, 1987).
Fulton and colleagues surveyed 210 TS subjects who
replied to a mailed questionnaire. Almost 60% took
medication for symptom relief. The most commonly
prescribed medications were reported to be haloperidol,
pimozide, clonidine and benztropine (Cogentin) which was
taken in conjunction with other medications. Carbamazepine
was reported to be effective in 1% of patients, while
no patients found clonazepam or prolixin useful (Fulton
et al., 1988).

Conclusions
TS is probably a heterogeneous condition, from an
aetiopathological, genetic, clinical phenomenological and
psychopathological point of view.
To summarize, and in the authors opinion (taking into
account the literature and personal experience), there is no
doubt that ADHD is very common in TS, even in mild cases.
It is thought that, in time, it will be clear that there is a
specific type of ADHD which is peculiar to TS, which is
phenomenologically different from that in pure ADHD, but it
is unclear as to whether or not this has treatment implications.
There is no doubt at all, as evidenced by the literature, that
OCS/OCB are integral to TS; they are common in TS and
genetically related, but are different from pure OCD and
different clinically from the egodystonicity point of view;
this does have treatment implications (neuroleptics are used
in addition to SSRIs). SIB is also common in TS, and in the
authors opinion may well prove to be integral to TS; it can
occur in mild TS individuals, is related to OCS/OCB and is
often difficult to treat. In the authors opinion, the depression
in TS is highly likely to be multifactorial in aetiology,
highlighting the importance of a full psychiatric history

and mental state examination in each patient. The anxiety,

personality disorders and other behavioural problems are
often seen in TS clinics and may be due either to the
comorbidity with ADHD or to referral bias. Certainly, the
majority of the patients in the authors clinic usually have
multiple pathology, although it is recognized that as it is a
specialist clinic, it probably attracts patients who are more
difficult to manage.
Many neurotransmitters have been implicated as
malfunctioning in TS. As can be seen, the medications used
to treat the various TS symptoms differ in their receptor
affinity profile and indeed their efficacy. The most tried and
tested medications for the motor and vocal tics remain the
dopamine antagonists, with haloperidol, pimozide, sulpiride
and tiapride receiving most attention. The new atypical
neuroleptics such as risperidone and olanzapine have appeal
and deserve further research; more DBTs are certainly needed.
Clonidine (which affects the noradrenergic system) is also
used widely and has been noted to improve tics, ADHD
symptoms and behaviour problems.
In addition, with the comorbid depression and OCS/OCB
(or even OCD) so often found in TS, and serotonin also
being implicated in the pathophysiology of TS, the SSRIs
and clomipramine are being increasingly investigated and
used successfully.
New and novel treatments as diverse as immunomodulatory
therapy, plasmapheresis, antiobiotics, antiviral agents,
melatonin, psychosurgery and even laser therapy and
acupuncture, have all been reported to be successful in
treating TS. These, however, have only been tried on a few
patients and must be given only with the strictest of indications
(e.g. antibiotics after specific infections in which there is a
positive culture or raised antistreptolysin titre). The author
has no personal experience with any of these and would not
recommend anyone (other than experienced clinicians very
well acqainted with TS) to use them.
In the authors clinic, the most commonly prescribed
medications to adults are sulpiride in approximately onethird of patients, followed by fluoxetine and haloperidol, and
then pimozide. The most commonly prescribed medications
to children and adolescents are clonidine in around one-third,
followed by sulpiride, haloperidol and fluoxetine. Many
patients with milder symptoms require no medication, but
reassurance and psycho-education (M. M. Robertson,
R. Gibbons, M. Dimitrakos, J. Black and M. R. Trimble,
unpublished data). Many patients require polytherapy and
thus the author prefers not to use agents such as pimozide
in these instances. In addition, the author is somewhat
cautious, as in the UK at least, most of the agents are neither
recommended for children, nor licensed for use in TS.
TS is a truly fascinating disorder. Each patient presents
the clinician with something well known and well recognized,
as well as something new or unusual, which stimulates further
research. Although the phenomenology of TS is becoming
clearer, what is included in the TS spectrum remains under
debate. Only when the putative gene(s) or genetic mechanisms

Tourette syndrome and its treatment

449

are well defined, will some of these issues be resolved, such

as the precise phenotype(s). Further medication trials in better
defined subgroups may then lead to improved treatments.

gum in Tourettes disorder [letter]. Am J Psychiatry 1992; 149:

4178.

Acknowledgements

Baker GB, Chokka PR, Bornstein RA. Neurochemical and some

related psychopharmacological aspects of Tourettes syndrome: an
update. J Psychopharmacol 1995; 9: 27380.

The author wishes to thank Dr Jeremy Stern for his thoughtful

comments, Dr Joe Black for helping obtain original articles,
the pharmaceutical companies for supplying articles and Mr
John Ludgate for his comments and support. The basis of
the treatment section of this article was first presented at the
International Canadian Tourette Syndrome meeting in Quebec
City, November 1997; thanks are given to the Canadian
Tourette Syndrome Foundation for stimulating the research.

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Accepted September 13, 1999