Abstract

COMORBIDITIES, SOCIAL IMPACT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN TOURETTE SYNDROME –A MINI REVIEW

Gloris Mariam Chacko*, Chitra C. Nair, Prof. Dr. Shaiju S. Dharan

Abstract

Background: Tourette syndrome is neurological disorder that includes repetitive movements and tics that cannot be easily controlled. Tics are involuntary muscle spasms consists of sudden intermittent twitches of a group of muscles. Male are more prone to develop Tourette syndrome when compared to females. Based on the reports obtained from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke about 200,000 people in The United States present with clinical manifestation of Tourette syndrome. Clinical manifestations usually appear at the age of 3 and 9 and can vary from one person to another. Symptoms start with small muscle tics in head and neck then it radiates to trunk and limbs. Most of the individuals who are affected are also associated with other disorders and it is important to find out the other conditions and treat those properly. Treatments of Tourette syndrome are dependent upon the severity of tics, self-harm, etc. and there is no ultimate cure. Therapy is aimed at reducing and managing the symptoms. Social and psychological support is an important factor in the recovery of those who are affected with Tourette syndrome to an extent. Method: Previously published articles regarding the comorbidities, social impact and quality of life in Tourette syndrome had been collected and reviewed. Observation: Tourette syndrome (Tourette disorder), is a neurodevelopmental disorder, mostly affecting children with comorbidities. This can lead to poorer peer relationships due to events such as psychological harassment in the social environment eventually the syndrome affects their daily activities and result in social isolation. Public and school education regarding the condition helps to change the attitude and approach towards those affected with Tourette syndrome. The clinical conditions, comorbidities and co-existing psychopathological problems can lower the self-esteem, thereby affecting overall outcome and quality of life in Tourette syndrome.

Keywords: Tourette syndrome, quality of life, social impact, Tics, disorders.