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-structured interview and 90 of these completed questionnaires screening for depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviour. QOL was measured with the SF-36 and the Quality of Life Assessment Schedule (QOLAS). RESULTS: Patients with GTS showed significantly worse QOL than a general population sample. They had better QOL than patients with intractable epilepsy as measured by the QOLAS, although the SF-36 showed significant differences on the subscales Role Limitation due to physical problems and Social Functioning 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.