Abstract
Chronic tic disorders (CTD) are characterized by motor and/or vocal tics. Existing data on the impact of tics in adulthood
is limited by small, treatment-seeking samples or by data aggregated across adults and children. The current study explored
the functional impact of tics in adults using a nationwide sample of 672 participants with a self-reported CTD. The impact
of tics on physical, social, occupational/academic, and psychological functioning was assessed. Results suggested mild to
moderate functional impairment and positive correlations between impairment and tic severity. Notable portions of the sample
reported social or public avoidance and experiences of discrimination resulting from tics. Compared to previously reported
population norms, participants had more psychological difficulties, greater disability, and lower quality of life. The current
study suggests that CTDs can adversely impact functioning in adults and highlights the need for clinical interventions and
systemic efforts to address tic-related impairments.
is limited by small, treatment-seeking samples or by data aggregated across adults and children. The current study explored
the functional impact of tics in adults using a nationwide sample of 672 participants with a self-reported CTD. The impact
of tics on physical, social, occupational/academic, and psychological functioning was assessed. Results suggested mild to
moderate functional impairment and positive correlations between impairment and tic severity. Notable portions of the sample
reported social or public avoidance and experiences of discrimination resulting from tics. Compared to previously reported
population norms, participants had more psychological difficulties, greater disability, and lower quality of life. The current
study suggests that CTDs can adversely impact functioning in adults and highlights the need for clinical interventions and
systemic efforts to address tic-related impairments.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9465-y
- Authors
- Christine A. Conelea, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave, Garland Hall Rm 224, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
- Douglas W. Woods, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave, Garland Hall Rm 224, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
- Samuel H. Zinner, Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Cathy L. Budman, Hofstra University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Tanya K. Murphy, Department of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Lawrence D. Scahill, Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA
- Scott N. Compton, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- John T. Walkup, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853