Childhood Disorders: Tic Disorders

Tourette's disorder and tic disorders are characterized by the presence of motor and/or vocal tics usually in early childhood. Over the past 30 years, efforts to increase awareness of tic disorders and common co-occurring disorders, improve diagnostic accuracy, decrease stigma, stimulate research, and increase availability of efficacious treatments have largely been successful. Modern psychiatrists are ideally suited to integrate research findings into improved diagnostic and treatment approaches. This chapter is intended to close the disseminating gap by reviewing and updating the knowledge base and discussing evidence-based approaches to address the complex treatment needs of patients with Tourette's disorder and other tic disorders.