BEHAVIORAL AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF TOURETTE-SYNDROME

This article reviews the behavioral and emotional aspects of Tourette syndrome with a focus on behavioral phenomenology and psychiatric como rbidity. Tourette syndrome is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder char acterized ay disinhibition and dysfunction of the regulation of motor, cognitive, affective, and behavioral functions. Although multiple mot or and vocal ties are the key diagnostic phenomena, hyperactivity, imp ulsivity, inattention, obsessive-compulsive, and emotional symptoms ar e common in many patients. Evaluation and treatment should take into a ccount the behavioral and emotional symptoms as well as the tics. Trea tment should incorporate multimodal strategies so as to address both t l-ce ties and symptoms.