Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Identification of Disease-related Spatial Covariance Patterns using Neuroimaging Data
Published on: June 26, 2013
Principal components analysis of a large cohort with Tourette syndrome
Mary M Robertson1, Robert R Althoff, Adam Hafez
1Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Background:
Tourette syndrome is a heterogeneous familial disorder for which the genetic mechanisms are unknown. A better characterisation of the phenotype may help identify susceptibility genes.
Aims:
To extend previous factor-analytic studies of the syndrome.
Method:
Symptom data from 410 people with Tourette syndrome were included in agglomerative hierarchical cluster and principal components analyses.
Results:
Five factors were observed, characterised by: (1) socially inappropriate behaviours and other complex vocal tics; (2) complex motor tics; (3) simple tics; (4) compulsive behaviours; and (5) touching self. Individuals with co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder had significantly higher factor scores on Factors 1 and 3, whereas individuals with co-occurring obsessive-compulsive disorder and behaviours had significantly higher factor scores for Factors 1-4.
Conclusions:
These findings add to the growing body of evidence that Tourette syndrome is not a unitary condition and can be disaggregated into more homogeneous symptom components.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Longitudinal Studies
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:24Cattell's 16 Personality Factors
In contrast, source traits are the fundamental,...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.