Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Flashcards
What is Tourette’s syndrome?
Neuropsychiatric syndrome characterised by motor and vocal tics which run a fluctuating course, and an increased association with behavioural abnormalities and other psychological conditions.
What is the typical age of onset of Tourettes?
5-6 years
Are men or women more likely to have Tourette’s?
Men, by 3-4 times.
Does Tourette’s have a genetic element?
Yes - there are strong familial links with Tourette’s and OCD and other tic syndromes. Likely to be sue to combination of a number of genes interacting.
What is a tic?
Sudden, purposeless, repetative, non-rhythmic stereotyped movement or vocalisation.
Other than motor or vocal tics, what are some symptoms that may be seen with Tourette’s?
Echolalia (repeat others’ words); paplilalia (repeat own words); Coprolalia (compulsive saying of swear/dirty words); copropraxia (obscene gestures); echopraxia (copy others’ movements); difficulty concentrating/easily distracted
What % of people with Tourette’s have concurrent ADD?
50%
What % of people with Tourette’s have concurrent OCD?
30-50%
What % of people with Tourette’s have concurrent behavioural problems?
80%
A parent brings their 6 year old to you because of concerns regarding unusual movements. What questions should you ask about family history if you are concerned about Tourette’s?
FHx of other movement disorders including Huntington’s, Wilson’s disease, epilepsy, and tics, as well as FHx of thyroid disease.
What history is important to ilicit when a patient presents with tics?
Age of onset, progression or pattern, do they wax and wane?
What are some genetic causes of tics that would rule out Tourette’s?
Huntington’s chorea; Kleinfelter’s syndrome
What are some acquired causes of tics that would ruel out Tourette’s?
Encephalitis, CVA, hyperthyroidism, CO poisoning, streptococcus-induced autoimmune tourette’s syndrome.
What drugs can cause tics to occur?
Cocaine; amfetamines; lithium; antipsychotics; antidepressants; antihistamines; opiates
What can exacerbate tics in Tourette’s syndrome?
Anxiety, stress, fatigue, and stimulants.