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Behavior Therapy for Tourette Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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Opinion statement

When tics caused by Tourette Syndrome cause meaningful impairment for patients, a comprehensive treatment approach includes education of patients, peers, and family, treatment of comorbid behavioral disorders if present, and consideration of behavior therapy and pharmacotherapy for tics themselves. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that behavior therapies based on Habit Reversal Therapy, including the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics are effective in reducing tic severity when compared with supportive psychotherapy. When these behavior therapies are unavailable, Exposure with Response Prevention may also be effective. Both face-to-face and telehealth delivery methods for behavior therapy improve tic severity, and broader distribution of behavior therapy through increased training or telehealth methods is encouraged. High-quality randomized trials comparing behavior therapies for tics with pharmacotherapy are needed.

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Conflict of Interest

Daryl J. Wile declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Tamara M. Pringsheim declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada

    Daryl J. Wile MD, MSc & Tamara M. Pringsheim MD, MSc

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  1. Daryl J. Wile MD, MSc
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  2. Tamara M. Pringsheim MD, MSc
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Correspondence to Tamara M. Pringsheim MD, MSc.

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Wile, D.J., Pringsheim, T.M. Behavior Therapy for Tourette Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Curr Treat Options Neurol 15, 385–395 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-013-0238-5

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