Behavioral and emotional aspects of Tourette syndrome

This article reviews the behavioral and emotional aspects of Tourette syndrome with a focus on behavioral phenomenology and psychiatric comorbidity. Tourette syndrome is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by disinhibition and dysfunction of the regulation of motor, cognitive, affective, and behavioral functions. Although multiple motor and vocal tics are the key diagnostic phenomena, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, obsessive-compulsive, and emotional symptoms are common in many patients. Evaluation and treatment should take into account the behavioral and emotional symptoms as well as the tics. Treatment should incorporate multimodal strategies so as to address both the tics and symptoms.