Tic & Tourette Syndrome and Motor Disorders / 한양의대학술지

ABSTRACT

Motor disorders in childhood include tic disorder, developmental coordination disorder, and stereotypic movement disorder. A tic is a sudden, rapid, repetitive and nonrhythmic movement (motor tics) or phonic production (phonic or vocal tics) that can occur at any part of the body. Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is characterized by marked impairment in the acquisition and performance of motor skills. Stereotypic movement disorder is a common childhood disorder which repetitive, hard to control, aimless motor activity interrupts everyday life or causes self-infliction of a child. Despite increased attention and the growing scientific knowledge about motor disorders, there are limitations in our understanding and knowledge about the pathogenesis and the management of the disorders. Motor disorders can itself be the primary diagnosis, or can be secondarily diagnosed caused by other disorders, and accompany many neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which in turn impairs proper learning and socializing of the children with motor disorders. Therefore comprehensive medical history taking, continuous observation of the changes in symptoms, and systematic assessment considering the child's developmental stage and current adaptive capacity are needed. Behavioral therapy and pharmacological therapy are the two most often mentioned treatments of motor disorders.