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The Psychosocial Impact of Tic Disorders: Nature and Intervention

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Abstract

Tic disorders (TDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by repetitive movements and vocalizations. Although significant research has been devoted to causes and treatments, comparatively little attention has been devoted to the psychosocial experience associated with TDs. Indeed, TDs significantly impact a variety of psychosocial domains and are often associated with co-occurring behavioral and cognitive problems. Persons with TDs are also viewed negatively by others, which results in peer victimization and other social problems. In order to alleviate negative psychosocial outcomes associated with TDs, psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic efforts have been developed. However, more research is required in order to maximize the effectiveness of such interventions. This paper reviews research related to the psychosocial impact of TDs and intervention efforts designed to ameliorate this impact. Limitations in the current literature and future directions are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA

    David C. Houghton, Jennifer R. Alexander & Douglas W. Woods

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  1. David C. Houghton
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  2. Jennifer R. Alexander
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  3. Douglas W. Woods
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Correspondence to David C. Houghton.

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Ethical Approval

This article reviews studies with human participants performed by the authors. In those studies performed by the authors, all procedures were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed Consent

Several studies reviewed in the current manuscript were performed by the authors, and in those studies, informed consent for human participants was always obtained.

Conflict of Interest

Mr. Houghton declares that he has no conflict of interest. Ms. Alexander declares that she has no conflict of interest. Dr. Woods declares that he has no conflict of interest. This study was not externally funded.

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Houghton, D.C., Alexander, J.R. & Woods, D.W. The Psychosocial Impact of Tic Disorders: Nature and Intervention. J Dev Phys Disabil 28, 347–365 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-015-9467-8

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