Recognising and Treating Tourette's Syndrome in Young Australians: A Need for Informed Multidisciplinary Support

O'Hare, D; Eapen, V; Helmes, E; Mcbain, K; Reece, J; Grove, R

Recognising and Treating Tourette's Syndrome in Young Australians: A Need for Informed Multidisciplinary Support

O'Hare, D Eapen, V Helmes, E Mcbain, K Reece, J Grove, R

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Publisher:: WILEY
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Australian Psychologist, 2016, 51, (3), pp. 238-245
Issue Date:: 2016

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	O'Hare, D
dc.contributor.author	Eapen, V
dc.contributor.author	Helmes, E
dc.contributor.author	Mcbain, K
dc.contributor.author	Reece, J
dc.contributor.author	Grove, R https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6669-9385
dc.date.accessioned	2022-01-19T02:53:50Z
dc.date.available	2022-01-19T02:53:50Z
dc.date.issued	2016
dc.identifier.citation	Australian Psychologist, 2016, 51, (3), pp. 238-245
dc.identifier.issn	0005-0067
dc.identifier.issn	1742-9544
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153353
dc.description.abstract	Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the complex clinical phenomenology of Tourette's syndrome within a community-based Australian sample. It also aimed to determine the service needs of this population. Method: Participants included parents of individuals with Tourette's syndrome (n=86; mean age=11.4, standard deviation [SD]=2.8) and control group peers (n=108; mean age=11.3, SD=2.6). Clinical phenomenology was assessed using the Parent Tic Questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Reports of formally diagnosed disorders, a comprehensive family history and accounts of service needs were also gathered. Results: Findings mirrored the profile of Tourette's syndrome reported in international populations, revealing heterogeneous tic and comorbidity profiles. High rates of comorbidity (77%), often involving multiple co-occurring diagnoses, were reported for the Tourette's syndrome group. These included obsessive compulsive disorder (44%), anxiety disorder (36%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (32%), and learning disorders (18%). Results of the SDQ determined significant elevations in symptoms of conduct and mood disorders for individuals with Tourette's syndrome (p=.01). Parents also reported shortcomings in health and education services, low levels of understanding of Tourette's syndrome by health professionals, and half reported stigmatisation within the Australian context. Conclusions: The study confirmed the challenges confronting youth with Tourette's syndrome and revealed deficits in Australian health and educational services for individuals with Tourette's syndrome. Findings indicate the need for increased education for health professionals and the provision of multidisciplinary services to meet the complex needs of this clinical population.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	WILEY
dc.relation.ispartof	Australian Psychologist
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1111/ap.12170
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject	1701 Psychology, 1702 Cognitive Sciences
dc.subject.classification	Clinical Psychology
dc.title	Recognising and Treating Tourette's Syndrome in Young Australians: A Need for Informed Multidisciplinary Support
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	51
utslib.for	1701 Psychology
utslib.for	1702 Cognitive Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Public Health
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
dc.date.updated	2022-01-19T02:53:48Z
pubs.issue	3
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	51
utslib.citation.issue	3

Abstract:

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the complex clinical phenomenology of Tourette's syndrome within a community-based Australian sample. It also aimed to determine the service needs of this population. Method: Participants included parents of individuals with Tourette's syndrome (n=86; mean age=11.4, standard deviation [SD]=2.8) and control group peers (n=108; mean age=11.3, SD=2.6). Clinical phenomenology was assessed using the Parent Tic Questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Reports of formally diagnosed disorders, a comprehensive family history and accounts of service needs were also gathered. Results: Findings mirrored the profile of Tourette's syndrome reported in international populations, revealing heterogeneous tic and comorbidity profiles. High rates of comorbidity (77%), often involving multiple co-occurring diagnoses, were reported for the Tourette's syndrome group. These included obsessive compulsive disorder (44%), anxiety disorder (36%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (32%), and learning disorders (18%). Results of the SDQ determined significant elevations in symptoms of conduct and mood disorders for individuals with Tourette's syndrome (p=.01). Parents also reported shortcomings in health and education services, low levels of understanding of Tourette's syndrome by health professionals, and half reported stigmatisation within the Australian context. Conclusions: The study confirmed the challenges confronting youth with Tourette's syndrome and revealed deficits in Australian health and educational services for individuals with Tourette's syndrome. Findings indicate the need for increased education for health professionals and the provision of multidisciplinary services to meet the complex needs of this clinical population.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153353