Chronic Tic Disorders in Youth: Clinical Phenotypes and Response to Aripiprazole
Author Information
Author(s): Falcone Francesca, Berloffa Stefano, Sesso Gianluca, Narzisi Antonio, Valente Elena, Viglione Valentina, Masi Gabriele, Milone Annarita, Fantozzi Pamela
Primary Institution: IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation
Hypothesis
To explore the clinical and psychopathological characteristics of different phenotypes based on the presence of comorbid ADHD and/or ASD and gender in youth with tic disorders.
Conclusion
Comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD or ASD, result in worse emotional and behavioral functioning in patients with tic disorders, and Aripiprazole improves overall clinical outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- ADHD was associated with higher externalizing problem scores.
- ASD was linked to higher internalizing problem scores.
- Patients treated with Aripiprazole showed significant improvement across all scales during follow-up.
- ADHD was identified as a negative predictor of reduced tic severity.
Takeaway
Kids with tic disorders often have other issues like ADHD or autism, which can make their problems worse, but a medicine called Aripiprazole can help them feel better.
Methodology
Naturalistic observational longitudinal study with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to assess symptomatology and psychiatric comorbidities.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from self-reported measures and lack of predetermined sample size.
Limitations
Small sample size, lack of a control group, reliance on self-report measures, and inconsistent follow-up.
Participant Demographics
95 subjects aged 6 to 17.9 years, mean age 11.1 years, 80 males.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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