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Behavioral Treatments for Tourette Syndrome
Matthew R Capriotti1, Michael B Himle2, Douglas W Woods3
1University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
|September 25, 2018
Summary
Behavior therapy offers an effective alternative to medication for Tourette syndrome (TS), a condition causing significant distress. This review examines evidence-based behavioral treatments for TS and their mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder.
- TS often leads to significant distress and functional impairment in individuals.
- Pharmacotherapy is a common but not the only effective treatment for TS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review empirically supported behavior therapy protocols for Tourette syndrome.
- To present the evidence supporting various behavioral interventions for TS.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action and implementation concerns for behavioral therapies in TS.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on behavior therapy for TS.
- Analysis of evidence supporting different behavioral treatment protocols.
- Discussion of theoretical underpinnings and practical considerations of behavioral interventions.
Main Results:
- Behavior therapy demonstrates comparable efficacy to pharmacotherapy for Tourette syndrome.
- Multiple behavior therapy protocols are empirically supported for TS treatment.
- Understanding the mechanisms of behavioral change is crucial for effective treatment.
Conclusions:
- Behavior therapy is a viable and effective first-line treatment option for Tourette syndrome.
- Behavioral interventions offer a valuable alternative or adjunct to medication for managing TS.
- Further research into mechanisms and broader implementation of behavior therapy for TS is warranted.
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