Aripiprazole in patients with Tourette syndrome

The treatment of the Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is often challenging. One reason for this is the high neuropsychiatric cormorbidity in terms of ADHD or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Dopaminergic modulation e.g. with antidopaminergic medication is an important part of the medical therapy aimed at motor and vocal tics. We report recent experiences with treatment with aripiprazole, a novel antipsychotic agent, which not only improved motor and vocal tics but also ameliorated some behavioural symptoms of the GTS cluster. Furthermore, we discuss possible pharmacological mechanisms for the observed effects.