Adults with Tourette’s syndrome with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder |
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| Authors: | A. D. M. Haddad G. Umoh V. Bhatia M. M. Robertson |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK;2. Bromley Crisis and Home Treatment Team, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Green Parks House, Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common, UK;3. Thanet Mental Health Unit, Ramsgate, Kent, UK;4. Department of Mental Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK |
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| Abstract: | Objective: Comorbidity between Tourette’s syndrome (TS) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is high. In children, those with both TS+ADHD fare less well than those with TS‐only on measures of both psychopathology and behaviour. The objective of this study was to document such measures in adult patients. Method: Eighty adults with TS‐only were compared to 64 with TS+ADHD using a clinical interview and standardised measures of depression, anxiety and obsessionality. Results: The two groups were no different on measures of TS severity. TS+ADHD patients had significantly more depression, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive behaviour and maladaptive behaviours than patients with TS‐only. There were also significant differences in the incidence of copro‐ and echo‐phenomena and family history of ADHD. Conclusion: The finding of increased overall behavioural difficulties and psychopathology in adult patients with TS+ADHD when compared with TS‐only is in agreement with previous findings in children with TS. Appropriate treatment of ADHD in TS patients during childhood may prevent many behavioural problems in adulthood. |
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| Keywords: | Tourette's syndrome attention deficit hyperactivity disorder behaviour psychopathology |
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