Quality of Life (QOL) of patients with Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome

Objective: This is the first study to investigate the Quality of Life (QOL) of patients with Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome (GTS). Method: One hundred and three out-patients with GTS completed a semi-struct ured interview and 90 of these completed questionnaires screening for depre ssion, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviour. QOL was measured with th e SF-36 and the Quality of Life Assessment Schedule (QOLAS). Results: Patients with GTS showed significantly worse QOL than a general po pulation sample. They had better QOL than patients with intractable epileps y as measured by the QOLAS, although the SF-36 showed significant differenc es on the subscales Role Limitation due to physical problems and Social Fun ctioning only. Factors influencing QOL domains were employment status, tic severity, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, anxiety and depression. Conclusion: QOL is impaired in patients with GTS. Measurement of QOL could be used alongside conventional measurements to assess benefit of treatment. We recommend the QOLAS and SF-36 be used.