Tourette syndrome and social functioning in a Canadian population.

Two hundred and ten patients with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and/or their parents completed a survey, answering questions about the frequency and disruptiveness of vocal and motor tics, behaviour problems and sleep disturbances. Respondents also rated the impact of TS symptoms on social relationships and level of personal and social functioning. Motor tics were reported to be more problematic than were vocal tics. Disruptive behavioural problems included obsessive-compulsive rituals, hyperactivity, anxiety, temper tantrums, mood swings, aggressiveness and coprolalia. Respondents also reported problems getting to sleep, bad dreams, somnambulism and enuresis. More than 40% of respondents reported problems in dating, and problems in making and keeping friends. Family members, friends and physicians were reported to be the most understanding and tolerant of TS symptoms; employers were rated as being the least understanding. More than 30% of respondents reported some problems in coping, but more than 50% of respondents also rated their mental health as good or excellent.

Tourette syndrome: impact on Canadian family functioning.

An evaluation of the impact of Tourette Syndrome on the family. Self-report data were gathered from a Canadian sample of over two hundred Tourette Syndrome patients and/or their families regarding the effects of TS on family life. Patients rated the extent to which having TS interfered with the family's day-to-day activities. Also indicated was whether marital difficulties or difficulties with alcohol or drugs arose since the Tourette diagnosis was made. Data were also gathered on the number of TS patients or other family members who sought professional counselling and the extent to which counselling was found helpful.

Tourette syndrome and educational problems in Canada.

A comprehensive survey of known Tourette Syndrome patients was conducted on a national basis in Canada. In addition to in-depth historical background information, symptomatology, geography and demographics, data were collected regarding educational issues. Approximately 70% of the sample were receiving some sort of education. The most commonly cited educational problems were with concentration, paying attention, and performance on time-limited tasks. In almost all cases the school had been informed of the Tourette Syndrome diagnosis, but in 78% of respondents the school personnel were rated as not at all knowledgeable regarding TS. Despite problems, 66% of TS patients reported being generally satisfied with the education being received. Patients made recommendations regarding how educational experiences could be made better. Of these suggestions, educating educators was the most frequent recommendation.

Tourette syndrome and medical treatment in Canada.

Self-report data were gathered from a national sample of over two hundred Canadian Tourette Syndrome (TS) patients. Included was previous use of stimulant medication and prior extended use of antihistamines for allergies or sinus condition. Patients were also asked information on Tourette Syndrome-precipitated hospitalization or boarding school placement, the type of physician treating them and on a five-point scale their level of satisfaction with their medical care. Results indicate that over 20% of TS patients have used stimulant medications and 30% have used antihistamine for extended periods. Many patients have spent time in psychiatric settings and most are under the care of psychiatrist or neurologist. Approximately 40% of TS patients reported being satisfied to very satisfied with the medical care they were receiving, and 20% having mixed feelings. Few patients receiving medical care were dissatisfied with their treatment.

An evaluation of Tourette syndrome and medication use in Canada.

Self-report data were gathered from a national sample of over 200 Canadian Tourette Syndrome (TS) patients. Information regarding symptom severity both on and off medication was gathered along with an analysis of different medications in use, and patient ratings of effectiveness of those medications. Patients also rated their own mental health. Results indicated that approximately 60% of TS patients take some form of medication for relief from their symptoms. Of these, over 80% reported that symptoms are less severe when medicated. The most commonly prescribed medications in order of popularity are haloperidol, pimozide, clonidine and benztropine mesylate (Cogentin). Patient ratings of effectiveness of these medications places haloperidol first, pimozide second and clonidine third although all were found to be "somewhat" to "very" effective. Of those TS patients on medications, 50% rated their own mental health as good to excellent and 50% rated it as fair to poor.