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An epidemiological study of tics
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan.
The Japanese Journal of Psychiatry and Neurology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
This study investigated tic disorders in children, finding higher prevalence in boys. It established prevalences for various tics and diagnosed Tourette disorder in 0.5% of participants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tic disorders are neurological conditions affecting children.
- Accurate prevalence data is crucial for understanding and managing these disorders.
- Existing diagnostic criteria require careful application in epidemiological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of various tics and tic disorders in a pediatric population.
- To differentiate between transient tic disorder (TTD), chronic motor or vocal tic disorder (CMVTD), and Tourette disorder (TD).
- To assess gender differences in tic disorder prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a parent-reported questionnaire for tic estimation.
- A two-step investigation involving an initial questionnaire (1,218 responses) followed by confirmatory telephone interviews (197 positive responses).
- Classification of participants based on DSM-III-R criteria for TTD, CMVTD, and Tourette disorder.
Main Results:
- Overall estimated tic prevalence was 11.3% in boys and 5.2% in girls.
- Specific tic prevalences included blinking (4.2%), head-jerking (1.6%), throat-clearing (2.7%), and others.
- Diagnosed prevalences were 5.1% for TTD, 2.2% for CMVTD, and 0.5% for Tourette disorder.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable epidemiological data on tic disorders in children.
- Boys exhibit a higher prevalence of tic disorders compared to girls.
- The findings underscore the importance of standardized diagnostic procedures for accurate assessment.