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Psychological, Pharmaceutical, or Neurosurgical: A Meta-Analysis of Treatments for Tourette's Syndrome

McGinley, Emmett W.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marhonors1211115706

Abstract Details

2008, Bachelor of Arts, Marietta College, Psychology.
Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is defined by multiple motor and vocal tics that occur numerous times a day within a period of one year. These tics vary along a continuum from minor inconveniences to major disturbances in the lives of those who suffer from TS. While there are numerous treatments for TS, to date there have been no satisfactory analyses comparing the efficacy of these treatment methods. The present study represents the first meta-analysis of the three major categories of treatments for Tourette's syndrome. While previous studies have examined the efficacy of specific treatments or compared the efficacy of more than one specific treatment, this study compiles data from 134 studies spanning all three major categories of Tourette's syndrome treatments, examining over 45 specific treatments. Tourette's syndrome is a multifaceted disorder affecting a range of individuals. Because of the numerous treatments available for TS, choosing the best course of action is often difficult. The results of this study indicate that neuroleptics are highly effective pharmaceuticals, but the noradrenergic modulators clonidine and guanfacine may prove better first-choice drugs due to their decreased incidence of side effects. The psychological treatments habit reversal therapy and exposure and response prevention are also particularly promising, and good first-choice options for clinicians skilled in their use, although other methods may be effective as well. Neurosurgery and deep-brain stimulation appear to be very effective options for individuals with severe TS that is irresponsive to other techniques. Historically, clinicians have relied on anti-psychotic drugs such as haloperidol as the first line of treatment. However, this and other research suggests that psychological treatments may be considered first in order to minimize the incidence of side effects.
Ryan May, PhD (Advisor)
Matthew Young, PhD (Committee Co-Chair)
51 p.
Psychology
Tourette's Syndrome; meta-analysis; treatment; efficacy

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • McGinley, E. W. (2008). Psychological, Pharmaceutical, or Neurosurgical: A Meta-Analysis of Treatments for Tourette's Syndrome [Undergraduate thesis, Marietta College]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marhonors1211115706

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • McGinley, Emmett. Psychological, Pharmaceutical, or Neurosurgical: A Meta-Analysis of Treatments for Tourette's Syndrome. 2008. Marietta College, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marhonors1211115706.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • McGinley, Emmett. "Psychological, Pharmaceutical, or Neurosurgical: A Meta-Analysis of Treatments for Tourette's Syndrome." Undergraduate thesis, Marietta College, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marhonors1211115706

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

marhonors1211115706
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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Marietta College Honors Theses and OhioLINK.