Functional Brain Network Abnormalities and Aripiprazole's Modulatory Effects in Pediatric Tic Disorder

This study aimed to investigate functional brain network characteristics in pediatric tic disorder (TD) patients and explore the effects of aripiprazole treatment on the functional brain network.

Resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from 40 TD patients and 30 matched healthy controls to compare functional brain network differences between TD patients and healthy individuals. Additionally, 26 of these TD patients underwent a 12-week aripiprazole treatment and were evaluated for changes in their functional brain networks before and after treatment. Functional connectivity between brain regions was analyzed using the phase locking value (PLV), and global network topological properties (global efficiency, local efficiency, clustering coefficient, and characteristic path length) were quantified via graph theory.

Compared with controls, TD patients exhibited reduced frontal functional connectivity (Fp2-Fz, Fp2-F4, Fz-F4) but compensatory enhanced connectivity in F7-F3 and C3-Cz. Tourette syndrome patients further exhibited Fp1-Fz hypo-connectivity. Aripiprazole treatment significantly increased global functional connectivity, elevated global and local efficiency and clustering coefficient, and shortened characteristic path length in TD patients. However, frontal hypo-connectivity persisted after treatment partly.

Pediatric TD patients present frontal dysfunction with compensatory adaptations in frontal-temporal connection and sensorimotor networks. Aripiprazole modulates global brain network connectivity and topology but not does not normalize frontal deficits, providing neurophysiological evidence for TD pathophysiology and aripiprazole's therapeutic mechanism.