The pharmacologic treatment of tic disorders

TS is a lifelong disorder characterized by waxing and waning tics and a broad range of behavioral disturbances. Frequently the clinical significance of the motor and vocal symptoms is overshadowed by the adverse impact of accompanying regulatory disturbances that may potentially affect every domain of the child's development. The goal of assessment and treatment must be defined broadly as an effort to understand the child as a whole person and to further normal development in all spheres. In this enterprise' multiple forms of intervention may be necessary and indicated, including reassurance, support, psychotherapy and educational advocacy as well as medication. Efforts to ameliorate tics or behavioral problems with medications need to be evaluated in an ongoing manner for their potential impact on the overall development of the child. Many effective medications are now available and their judicious use can have a major impact on a child's or adolescent's overall functioning and ongoing development.