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Assessment and Management of Tic Disorders in Pediatric Primary Care Settings

  • Tourette's Syndrome (M Specht and T Zeiger, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Pediatricians and other primary care providers are often the first and sole healthcare clinicians of patients who present with tics. However, limited primary care pediatric training in neuropsychiatric concerns, as well as perceived lack of comfort and preparation, makes it challenging for these clinicians to confidently identify and manage tic disorders.

Recent Findings

Current empirical findings of tic disorder management relevant to pediatric physicians, including assessment, psychoeducation, behavioral interventions, psychotropic medications, and alternative treatments are reviewed.

Summary

This article discusses neuropsychiatric and medical complexities of tic disorder assessment, with particular emphasis on differential and comorbid diagnoses. Tiered referral recommendations, based on symptom severity, impairment, and consideration of comorbid conditions, are provided. Future directions for tic management, including dissemination of evidence-based treatments of tic disorders and multidisciplinary teams within pediatric primary care settings, are included.

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Funding Acknowledgment

The research reported in this publication was supported by National Institute of Mental Health K23MH113884 grant funding to Dr. Ricketts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 760 Westwood Blvd., Rm 67-467, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA

    Mina Yadegar, Sisi Guo & Emily J. Ricketts

  2. Boston Child Study Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Mina Yadegar

  3. Behavioral Associates Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Mina Yadegar

  4. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

    Samuel H. Zinner

  5. Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA

    Samuel H. Zinner

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  2. Sisi Guo
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Correspondence to Mina Yadegar.

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Yadegar, M., Guo, S., Ricketts, E.J. et al. Assessment and Management of Tic Disorders in Pediatric Primary Care Settings. Curr Dev Disord Rep 6, 159–172 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-019-00168-8

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