Prospective analysis of risk factors in pediatric tic disorders: A clinical observational study

Tic disorders (TD) are common neuropsychiatric conditions in children, often accompanied by anxiety and depression. Understanding the associated risk factors and their relationship with TD severity is crucial for effective management.

This study investigated risk factors for TD in children and examined the relationship between anxiety, depression, and TD severity using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) and the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRSC).

A prospective observational study was conducted in 113 children diagnosed with TD at our hospital between January 2021 and January 2024. Tic disorder severity was evaluated using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS). Anxiety and depression were assessed using SCARED and DSRSC, respectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as comorbidities, were analyzed using IBM SPSS v. 25.0.

Children with TD had significantly higher rates of febrile seizures, family history of TD, recurrent respiratory infections, and comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Patients with TD exhibited elevated SCARED and DSRSC scores, which were significantly higher in moderate-to-severe cases than in mild cases. Yale Global Tic Severity Scale scores were positively correlated with both SCARED and DSRSC scores. Key risk factors associated with TD and with moderate-to-severe disease included a family history of TD, higher DSRSC scores, and higher SCARED scores.

This study highlights a strong association between anxiety, depression, and TD severity, with higher SCARED and DSRSC scores observed in moderate-to-severe cases. A family history of TD, along with elevated anxiety and depression scores, were identified as significant associated factors. These findings underscore the importance of psychological assessment and tailored interventions for children with TD.