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Published on: May 27, 2021
Tourette's syndrome in adults
Joseph Jankovic1, Rose Gelineau-Kattner, Anthony Davidson
1Parkinson Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. josephj@bcm.tmc.edu
Summary
Tourette's syndrome (TS) in adults often stems from childhood onset, with distinct tic patterns and higher rates of mood disorders and substance abuse compared to pediatric cases. Adult TS primarily involves facial and trunk tics, with improvements in phonic tics and ADHD over time.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Tourette's syndrome (TS) is typically defined by childhood-onset motor and phonic tics.
- Adult TS remains undercharacterized, with limited research focusing on its distinct phenotype and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical features of adult Tourette's syndrome.
- To compare the presentation and comorbidities of adult TS with childhood TS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for adult TS patients (≥19 years) and comparison with pediatric TS patients (≤18 years).
- Analysis of demographic data, age at onset, tic types, and co-occurring conditions.
Main Results:
- Adult TS patients exhibited more facial/truncal tics and higher prevalence of substance abuse and mood disorders.
- Pediatric TS patients showed higher rates of phonic tics, ADHD, and oppositional behavior.
- Most adult TS cases (81.4%) had childhood onset, with a smaller proportion (18.6%) experiencing adult onset.
Conclusions:
- Adult Tourette's syndrome is predominantly a continuation or re-emergence of childhood-onset TS.
- The adult TS phenotype is characterized by persistent or worsening facial/neck/trunk tics and increased psychiatric comorbidities.
- While phonic tics and ADHD may improve, adult TS requires tailored management strategies considering its unique clinical profile.
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