Motor stereotypies in adult patients with Tourette syndrome

Abstract

Aim: Correctly diagnosing repetitive behaviors in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS) can be challenging. The differential diagnosis between tics and stereotypies is of particular importance, because of treatment implications. Methods: We assessed the prevalence and clinical characteristics of stereotypies in a large sample of adult patients with TS attending a specialist clinic. Results: Mild stereotypies were reported by 21/148 patients (14.2%). Patients with stereotypies were significantly more likely to have a comorbid diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, compared with patients without stereotypies. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the presence of Asperger syndrome significantly predicted stereotypy severity. Conclusion: Stereotypies are not rare in adults with TS and other neurodevelopmental conditions, especially Asperger syndrome.