Tourette's Syndrome Case Study

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition that was named after a French neurologist in 1885. George Gilles described children with symptoms that include onset of jerky movements of the body called tics. The tics were associated with uncontrollable noises or obscene utterances. The neurologist noticed that some of the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, poor control of impulses and other cognitive behavioral problems. Tourette is a common biological, genetic disorder that manifests with other neurobehavioral conditions. The diagnosis of Tourette syndrome is clinical. It is based on history and observation of the jerky movements and associated with other behavioral disorders (Jankovic, 2011). A familial history of similar symptoms is essential in diagnosis. The tics could be …show more content…
They include pergolide, amantidine, selegiline, and talipexole. Their side effects include tardive dyskinesia. There are other pharmacological modalities that specifically target cormobid conditions associated with the syndrome. Adrenergic modulating drugs such as clonidine and guafacine are essential in treating compulsiveness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants such as methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and permoline are also utilized in the management of ADHD. Various antidepressants are also essential in management of behavioral disorders in the syndrome. They include the tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) such as desipramine, imipramine, and clomipramine. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used in the management of compulsiveness include fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, and sertaline. They are less sedative compared to TCAs. Some less commonly used agents in the management include the GABA modulating agents. These include benzodiazepams such as diazepam and clonazepam. However, their side effects include paradoxical aggression and sedation (Collincot, et al.,