Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2025
07:38
Generating Acute and Chronic Experimental Models of Motor Tic Expression in Rats
Published on: May 27, 2021
8.1K
Early developmental milestones associated with tics and psychopathological comorbidity: An EMTICS study
Tamar Steinberg1,2, Dana Feldman-Sadeh1,2, Alan Apter1,2
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 4920235, Petach Tikva, Israel.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|July 17, 2025
Summary
Delayed early developmental milestones in children with chronic tic disorders (CTD) are linked to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other comorbidities. This highlights the need for early detection in at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric neurology
- Child psychiatry
Background:
- Chronic tic disorders (CTD), including Tourette Syndrome (TS), frequently co-occur with psychopathological comorbidities.
- Conditions like attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are associated with developmental delays.
- The relationship between early developmental milestones, tic severity, and comorbidities in CTD remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between early developmental milestones and psychopathological comorbidities in children with CTD.
- To explore the link between developmental milestones, tic severity, and functional impairment in pediatric CTD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective assessment of early developmental milestones (sitting, walking, first words, sentence completion, and continence) in 383 children (aged 3-16) with CTD.
- Evaluation of tic severity, tic-related functional impairment, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and suspected ASD using validated instruments.
- Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and logistic regressions to determine associations.
Main Results:
- Small but significant correlations were found between motor tic severity/impairment and walking acquisition (r=0.11), and vocal tics and first words (r=0.12).
- Delayed first words were significantly associated with ADHD (OR 1.04-1.22), ODD (OR 1.05-1.21), and suspected ASD (OR 1-1.13).
- Delayed walking acquisition was associated with OCD (OR 1.01-1.27).
Conclusions:
- Early developmental milestones are associated with later psychopathological comorbidities in children with CTD.
- Findings underscore the importance of distinguishing between children with isolated tics and those with comorbid conditions.
- Improved early detection strategies for at-risk children with CTD and comorbidities are needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
333
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
333
01:30Socioemotional Development during Infancy
113
Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Primary Temperament Types
113
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
122
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
122
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
504
Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...
504
01:26Modeling in Therapy
145
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
145
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
137
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
137