Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aila Akosua Kattner
Summary: This issue of Biomedical Journal provides the latest understanding of Tourette syndrome, including its relation to genetic predisposition, defects in the dopaminergic system, and related comorbidities. It also discusses treatment approaches for TS and other related disorders. Additionally, it covers topics such as integrin activation in immune cells, immune signaling, and other diverse research areas.
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Joseph Jurgiel, Makoto Miyakoshi, Andrea Dillon, John Piacentini, Sandra K. Loo
Summary: This study examined the neural connectivity of pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and persistent tic disorder (PTD) and tested three models of pathophysiology for the two disorders. The results showed that ADHD had a primary impact on cognitive and behavioral deficits, while deficits associated with PTD were primarily related to thought problems and internalizing problems. Co-occurring ADHD and PTD had additive effects on behavioral problems and cognitive functions. Weaker ADHD-related connectivity was associated with more severe behavioral problems, including internalizing behaviors, thought problems, and working memory deficits. These findings highlight the importance of targeting ADHD in the treatment of comorbid cases.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY-COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan-Shuo Chan, Jia-Tzer Jang, Chin-Shan Ho
Summary: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, characterized by deficits in executive functions and motor abilities. Physical exercise has been shown to have positive effects on ADHD symptoms, cognitive function, and motor abilities. Aerobic exercise increases neurotransmitters and brain blood flow, while perceptual motor activities and meditation promote neuroplasticity. Strengthening sensory-motor base improves attention. Physical exercise can serve as an adjunctive treatment for ADHD.
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jesjeet Singh Gill
Summary: This case report describes a young male with Tourette syndrome and comorbid major depressive disorder and ADHD who experienced troublesome side effects due to his existing medications. The patient's symptoms were effectively controlled and improved by switching risperidone to cariprazine and increasing the antidepressant dose.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Emily J. Ricketts, Sara Beth Wolicki, Joseph R. Holbrook, Michelle Rozenman, Joseph F. McGuire, Sana N. Charania, John Piacentini, Jonathan W. Mink, John T. Walkup, Douglas W. Woods, Angelika H. Claussen
Summary: This study examined sleep problems in children with Tourette Syndrome (TS). It found that children with sleep disorder were more likely to come from households with lower parental education and poverty, and had more other diagnoses and severe symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and intervention for children with TS, as well as considering the socioeconomic context in sleep disorder management and prevention.
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Melanie Ritter, Signe Allerup Vangkilde, Katrine Maigaard, Anne Katrine Pagsberg, Kerstin Jessica Plessen, Julie Hagstrom
Summary: Children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) showed intact performance in laboratory-based measures of inhibitory control (IC), but difficulties in daily life IC. The severity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms was strongly associated with IC deficits, indicating that comorbid ADHD may account for these impairments.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Aribert Rothenberger, Hartmut Heinrich
Summary: This article discusses how to use electrophysiological methods to study the development of brain dynamics in TS patients, and points out its potential application in tic treatment. Studies have shown that the brain dynamics parameters of TS patients evolve concurrently with clinical characteristics, including a delay in motor inhibition maturation and specific sleep parameters and perception-action binding.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Kanako Ishizuka, Tomomi Ishiguro, Norio Nomura, Toshiya Inada
Summary: The study found a significant correlation between depressive states and subjective ADHD symptoms. The higher the rate of improvement in depressive symptoms, the lower the frequency of positive ADHD screening by ASRS. Caution should be exercised when using self-report scales for diagnostic evaluation of comorbid ADHD in a primary care setting.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Yonghua Cui, Jiahui Chu, Yanlin Li, Ying Li
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the behavioral and emotional profile of Tourette syndrome (TS). The results showed that pure TS might show fewer behavioral and emotional problems than obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Similar behavioral and emotional profiles were identified between TS and MDD, but not OCD and ADHD. More attention needs to be paid to the thought problems and rule-breaking behavior in the screening stage.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Raymond A. Clarke, Teri M. Furlong, Valsamma Eapen
Summary: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics, with high rates of inheritance and involvement of mitochondrial pathways. Mutations in genes related to mitochondrial dynamics and function may contribute to the pathogenesis of GTS.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Kirsten R. Mueller-Vahl, Anna Pisarenko, Natalia Szejko, Martina Haas, Carolin Fremer, Ewgeni Jakubovski, Richard Musil, Alexander Muenchau, Irene Neuner, Daniel Huys, Ludger Tebartz van Elst, Christoph Schroeder, Rieke Ringlstetter, Armin Koch, Eva Beate Jenz, Anika Grosshennig
Summary: Preliminary data suggest that cannabis-based medicines might be a promising new treatment for patients with Tourette syndrome (TS)/chronic tic disorders (CTD) resulting in an improvement of tics, comorbidities, and quality of life. This study aimed to examine efficacy and safety of the cannabis extract nabiximols in adults with TS/CTD. Secondary analyses revealed trends for improvements of tics, depression, and quality of life, and subgroup analyses suggested that certain subgroups may benefit better from treatment with cannabis-based medication.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Charlotte Sanderson, Cara Verdellen, Nanette Debes, Zsanett Tarnok, Jolande van de Griendt, Sharon Zimmerman-Brenner, Tara Murphy
Summary: Co-occurring psychiatric conditions are common in tic disorders and Tourette syndrome, impacting the implementation and efficacy of behavioural therapies. This article provides guidelines for implementing behavioural and psychosocial interventions for common comorbidities such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety, disruptive behaviour, ASD, and depression, and suggests future research directions.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Christoffer Brynte, Myriam Aeschlimann, Csaba Barta, Alex Hendikus Abraham Begeman, Amanda Backer, Cleo Lina Crunelle, Constanza Daigre, Laura De Fuentes-Merillas, Zsolt Demetrovics, Geert Dom, Lara Grau Lopez, Romain Icick, Brian Johnson, Peter Joostens, Mate Kapitany-Foveny, Emily Karsinti, Falk Kiefer, Maija Konstenius, Frances R. Levin, Mathias Luderer, Wiebren Markus, Frieda Matthys, Franz Moggi, Raul Felipe Palma-Alvarez, Maria Paraskevopoulou, J. Antoni Ramos-Quiroga, Arnt Schellekens, Leila M. Soravia, Norman Therribout, Anil Thomas, Geurt van de Glind, Michiel Willem van Kernebeek, Sabine Vollstaedt-Klein, Florence Vorspan, Wim van den Brink, Johan Franck
Summary: This paper presents the protocol and baseline clinical characteristics of the International Naturalistic Cohort Study of ADHD and SUD (INCAS), which aims to investigate the treatment modalities, clinical course, and predictors for treatment outcomes in treatment-seeking SUD patients with comorbid ADHD.
Article
Psychiatry
Tracy Bhikram, Rana Elmaghraby, Elia Abi-Jaoude, Paul Sandor
Summary: This study investigated health service delivery and care practices for TS patients in different geographic settings, revealing a scarcity of specialized TS clinics, variations in service accessibility, and differences in pharmacotherapeutic preferences among clinicians in different regions. The results highlight the need for interprofessional care and holistic management to improve healthcare delivery to TS patients.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Philipp Capetian, Veit Roessner, Caroline Korte, Susanne Walitza, Franz Riederer, Regina Taurines, Manfred Gerlach, Andreas Moser
Summary: This study measured the concentrations of TIQ derivatives in the urine of patients with TS and TS + ADHD, finding that NSAL had the highest diagnostic value for TS. The results suggest that dopaminergic hyperactivity underlies the pathophysiology of TS and ADHD, and NSAL levels in urine may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for TS.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2021)
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Per Andren, Ewgeni Jakubovski, Tara L. Murphy, Katrin Woitecki, Zsanett Tarnok, Sharon Zimmerman-Brenner, Jolande van de Griendt, Nanette Mol Debes, Paula Viefhaus, Sally Robinson, Veit Roessner, Christos Ganos, Natalia Szejko, Kirsten R. Mueller-Vahl, Danielle Cath, Andreas Hartmann, Cara Verdellen
Summary: Part II of the European clinical guidelines for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders provides updated information and recommendations for psychological interventions, recommending Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as first-line interventions for tic disorders. Cognitive interventions and third-wave interventions are currently not recommended as stand-alone treatments for tic disorders.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Veit Roessner, Heike Eichele, Jeremy S. Stern, Liselotte Skov, Renata Rizzo, Nanette Mol Debes, Peter Nagy, Andrea E. Cavanna, Cristiano Termine, Christos Ganos, Alexander Muenchau, Natalia Szejko, Danielle Cath, Kirsten R. Mueller-Vahl, Cara Verdellen, Andreas Hartmann, Aribert Rothenberger, Pieter J. Hoekstra, Kerstin J. Plessen
Summary: The first European guidelines for Tourette Syndrome (TS) were published in 2011 by the European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS). The updated part on pharmacological treatment emphasizes the importance of psychoeducation and behavioral approaches as first-line treatments. Pharmacological treatment, particularly with dopamine blocking agents like aripiprazole, is indicated in some patients, especially when behavioral approaches are not effective or feasible. Treatment should be individualized based on the patient's needs, preferences, and co-existing conditions.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Natalia Szejko, Sally Robinson, Andreas Hartmann, Christos Ganos, Nanette M. Debes, Liselotte Skov, Martina Haas, Renata Rizzo, Jeremy Stern, Alexander Munchau, Virginie Czernecki, Andrea Dietrich, Tara L. Murphy, Davide Martino, Zsanett Tarnok, Tammy Hedderly, Kirsten R. Muller-Vahl, Danielle C. Cath
Summary: This article presents an updated version 2.0 of European clinical guidelines for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders, focusing on assessment. The guidelines were developed through thorough literature screening, national guidelines supplementation, and expert discussions within ESSTS. Diagnostic changes between DSM-IV and DSM-5 classifications, recommendations for rating scales, and new information on differential diagnoses are highlighted. Additionally, a recent survey among ESSTS members on assessment in TS is discussed.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Julie Holst Pedersen, Axel Skytthe, Jonas Bybjerg-Grauholm, Asli Sena Kucukyildiz, Liselotte Skov, Nanette Mol Debes, Zeynep Tumer
Summary: Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by tics and multiple comorbidities. Twin studies indicate that both genetic and environmental risk factors are involved. The study found high concordance of GTS and chronic tic disorders in monozygotic twins, suggesting common genetic risk factors. The findings also showed higher comorbidity rates in twins with GTS or CTD compared to the general population.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Josefine Lund, Amalie Berring-Uldum, Merve Colak, Nanette Marinette Monique Debes
Summary: The study showed an association between screen time and headache frequency in children and adolescents, especially in those with migraine with aura. However, there was no statistically significant difference in total screen time across the five headache groups. Future prospective studies are needed to determine causality in this association.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Astrid Forland-Schill, Amalie Berring-Uldum, Nanette Mol Debes
Summary: This review aims to describe the pathophysiological characteristics of migraine in pediatric patients and discuss the possible differences with adult migraine, as well as the need for further research on pediatric patients with migraine.
JOURNAL OF CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Josefine Lund, Liv Borch-Johnsen, Camilla Groth, Liselotte Skov, Nanette Mol Debes
Summary: This study investigated the association between the severity of tics and comorbidities and educational outcomes in Tourette syndrome (TS) patients. It was found that children with TS had a lower passing rate at lower secondary school and high school compared to healthy controls. The severity of comorbidities was more likely to drive this difference than tic severity. Therefore, it is important to provide the right support for children with TS in order to optimize their educational opportunities.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Camilla Birgitte Soerensen, Theis Lange, Sidsel Normann Jensen, Judy Grejsen, Lone Aaslet, Liselotte Skov, Nanette Mol Debes
Summary: Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders are characterized by tics. Although different behavioral therapies have been effective in treating tics in children and adolescents, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) has not been extensively studied. This study evaluated the long-term effects of ERP on tic severity and found that it had a significant and lasting effect, particularly for those who completed the program or discontinued due to positive results.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Camilla Birgitte Soerensen, Theis Lange, Sidsel Normann Jensen, Judy Grejsen, Lone Aaslet, Liselotte Skov, Nanette Mol Debes
Summary: Chronic tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, can be effectively treated using a behavioral therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP). However, limited treatment sites hinder access to this therapy. Web-based videoconferences offer a solution by connecting patients at home with therapists in hospitals, providing treatment over a wide geographic area. In this study, ERP delivered via web-based videoconferences was found to be as effective as the traditional face-to-face method.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kirstine Birkebaek Okkels, Liselotte Skov, Susanne Klanso, Lone Aaslet, Judy Grejsen, Annika Reenberg, Camilla Birgitte Sorensen, Nanette Marinette Monique Mol Debes
Summary: The study investigates the possible triggers for the development of functional tics in adolescents and discusses the role of the COVID-19 pandemic and social media exposure in these cases. The treatment for functional tics includes psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and focusing on psychiatric symptoms, with positive responses from all patients.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kaja Andersen, Ida Jensen, Kirstine Birkebaek Okkels, Liselotte Skov, Nanette Mol Debes
Summary: Due to an increase in the number of patients with Functional Tic-Like Behaviors (FTLB), it is important to find differences between this patient group and patients with organic tics (OTs) for accurate diagnosis. This retrospective study examined established and suggested differences between the groups, replicating some findings from literature and revealing new differences. The study highlighted that FTLB patients have more complex tics, older symptom onset age, higher female representation, and fewer family members with tics compared to OT patients. Additionally, FTLB patients have more family members with psychiatric disorders, are more likely to experience adverse psychosocial events before symptom onset, and have fewer simple tics.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Laura Bogut, Kaja Andersen, Judy Grejsen, Maria Jose Miranda Gimenez-Rico, Nanette Monique Mol Debes
Summary: The cognitive function of healthy Danish children and Danish children diagnosed with epilepsy was examined using EpiTrack Junior. The patient group showed significantly lower test scores compared to the control group, confirming the relationship between impaired cognitive function and childhood epilepsy. Furthermore, there was a correlation between a higher EpiTrack Junior score and the presence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), while focal seizures and antiepileptic drug treatment were not associated with the EpiTrack Junior score.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kaja Andersen, Camilla Groth, Liselotte Skov, Nanette Mol Debes
Summary: This study examines the longitudinal impact of Tourette Syndrome (TS) severity, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis and severity, and guardian socioeconomic status on substance use in pediatric patients with TS. The results indicate that greater severity of ADHD and lower guardian socioeconomic status significantly increase the likelihood of higher cigarette consumption in the future. Additionally, the presence and increased severity of ADHD at baseline increase the odds of illegal substance consumption later on, while increased severity of OCD at baseline decreases cigarette and illegal substance consumption, and presence and increased severity of OCD decrease alcohol consumption. Preventative conversations about substance use are crucial for pediatric patients with TS and high ADHD severity.
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Marie Louise Boeg Tygesen, Katrine Maigaard, Julie Hagstrom, Liselotte Skov, Kerstin Jessica Plessen, Nanette Marinette Monique Debes
Summary: This study compared fine motor skill performance on the Purdue Pegboard Task (PPT) in 18 children with TS, 24 unaffected first-degree siblings and 20 controls. The results showed no significant differences in fine motor skills between children with TS, their siblings, and controls. However, there was an inverse correlation between performance on the PPT and the severity of ADHD symptoms, indicating that fine motor skill impairment in children with TS may be more strongly correlated with comorbid ADHD than to TS and tics. Evaluation: 8 out of 10.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda M. Levy, Mathis Hildonen, Christina Dahl, Victoria A. Bjerregaard, Lisbeth Birk Moller, Per Guldberg, Nanette M. Debes, Zeynep Tumer
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2022)