Gilles de la Tourette syndrome - A treatable condition?

Abstract

Introduction: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by chronic motor and vocal tics. Psychiatric comorbidity is frequent but does not enter into the official classification of the syndrome. In the present article, we will focus on treatment options for tics.

Methods: We have reviewed the relevant literature on treatment of tics and GTS, especially in the period from 2011-2016 since the publication of the European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) treatment guidelines in 2011.

Results: We present current and up-to-date approaches in psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and neurosurgery for GTS with an outlook for the upcoming years.

Conclusions: Although many patients and health-care professionals seem to view tics and/or GTS as difficult to treat, or believe that treatment requires severe side effects with reduction in quality of life, we wish to convey that there is cause for optimism, both with regard to available treatment modalities and future therapeutic developments.

Keywords: Deep brain stimulation; Gilles de la Tourette syndrome; Pharmacotherapy; Pharmacothérapie; Psychotherapy; Psychothérapie; Stimulation cérébrale profonde; Syndrome Gilles de la Tourette; Tics.