Evidence-Based Assessment of Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome and persistent tic disorders (collectively, TS) are impairing childhood-onset neuropsychiatric conditions. Utilizing evidence-based assessments (EBA) is standard for effective and accurate screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of TS. EBAs consist of brief screening instruments, structured/semi-structured clinician-administered interviews, self-report, and parent-report and child-report. This article provides an overview of the quality, utility, and psychometric properties of available assessments to determine the presence of TS, evaluate symptom severity, and capture associated phenomenology (eg, premonitory urges, quality of life). The article concludes with considerations for best clinical practices and future directions for the EBA of TS.