Tic Disorders and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Youth: Treatment Cheat Sheet
Jan 17, 2024
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This podcast explores tic disorders and psychiatric comorbidities in youth, including ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviors. It discusses treatment options, including stimulant use, CBT, and SSRIs. Dr. David Rosenberg provides insights on the subject. The high prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in patients with tic disorders is highlighted, along with potential medication options. The relationship between tic disorders and OCD, anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviors is explored. Treatment approaches, such as behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatments, are discussed, along with interventions for tic disorders and anxiety or depression. Topair is mentioned as a possibility for pharmacological interventions.
Behavioral therapy is recommended for youth with both ADHD and tic disorders, while alpha-2 agonists and stimulant medications are effective pharmacological treatment options.
Tick-related OCD has a decreased response rate to SSRIs compared to OCD alone, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered first-line treatment for tick-related OCD.
Deep dives
Tick disorders and comorbid ADHD and their impact on functional impairment
Tick disorders are frequently accompanied by comorbid psychiatric conditions, with ADHD being one of the most common ones. The presence of ADHD in patients with tick disorders can significantly affect functional impairment, as severe ticks can interfere with attention and concentration. Behavioral therapy remains beneficial for youth with both ADHD and ticks. In terms of pharmacological treatment, alpha-2 agonists like Clonidine and Guanfacine are recommended as first-line options, with stimulant medications showing effectiveness in managing both ADHD and ticks, suggesting a combination approach may be appropriate.
Tick-related OCD and the importance of CBT
Tick disorders often coexist with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but tick-related OCD has been found to have a decreased response rate to SSRIs compared to OCD alone. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered first-line treatment for tick-related OCD, either alone or in combination with SSRIs. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) can be effective for both pediatric OCD and tick disorders. Clomipramine may be considered as an augmentation strategy for OCD treatment in cases where SSRIs are not sufficient. The combination of SSRIs and CBT has shown promise for tick-related OCD.
Tick disorders and comorbid anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviors
Youth with tick disorders often have co-occurring mood disorders, non-OCD anxiety disorders, and disruptive behaviors. If anxiety or depression is primary or interferes with treatment motivation and adherence, evidence-based treatment for these conditions should be considered. The presence of depression in patients with tick disorders has been associated with earlier onset, greater severity, and longer duration of ticks. Irritability, mood instability, emotional dysregulation, and disruptive behaviors are common in youth with tick disorders, and strategies such as tick management, parent training, anger management, emotion regulation, and mindfulness can be helpful. Pharmacological interventions like Topiramate may be considered if non-pharmacological approaches prove ineffective.
In this podcast, Dr. David Rosenberg delves into tic disorders and psychiatric comorbidities in youth. This includes ADHD, OCD, anxiety and depression, and disruptive behaviors. Jump in and listen to practical treatment options for these cases, and stay one step ahead in your clinical practice.
Faculty: David Rosenberg, M.D. Host: Richard Seeber, M.D.