Non-Obscene Socially Inappropriate Behavior in Patients with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Behavioral disturbances are common in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS).
• Non-obscene socially inappropriate behaviors (NOSIBs) are a manifestation of these disturbances.
• The classification and clinical correlates of NOSIBs in GTS remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and age of onset of NOSIBs in GTS.
• To investigate the clinical correlation of NOSIBs with tic severity.
• To examine the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in individuals with GTS and NOSIBs.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 365 participants with GTS was assessed.
• Data on NOSIBs were collected using author-developed, semi-structured questionnaires during ambulatory examinations.
• Multivariate analysis was employed to identify clinical correlations.

Main Results:

• NOSIBs were present in 23.6% of GTS patients, with a mean onset age of 6.6 years.
• NOSIB onset occurred shortly after tic onset, though some cases preceded or coincided with tic onset.
• NOSIBs were significantly associated with higher tic severity (YGTSS), coprophenomena, ADHD, ODD, ASD, and anxiety disorders.

Conclusions:

• NOSIBs are an early-onset symptom in approximately 25% of GTS patients.
• Increased tic severity and psychiatric comorbidities are risk factors for NOSIB development in GTS.
• These findings suggest NOSIBs may indicate a more severe disease course in GTS.