Depression in children with Gilles De La Tourette Syndrome

The Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by the presence of multiple motor tics and at least one phonic tic. GTS is increasingly recognized as a relatively common neuropsychiatric disorder, usually diagnosed in early childhood. Comorbid behavioral problems occur in approximately 90% of patients, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) being the most common ones. Depression is also common, with a lifetime risk of '0% of patients. Moreover, converging evidence shows that children with GTS may have depression ratings that are higher than those in other school age children but lower than those found in children with primary depressive disorder. Whilst the association between GTS and depressive symptoms does not appear to be mediated genetically, social and environmental factors are thought to be of etiological importance. Children with GTS have involuntary movements and noises, which might amount to a chronic stigmatizing disorder in a school setting. This in turn could isolate the individuals, make them a subject for bullying, and ultimately lead to depression. The depression in children with GTS has been shown to result in a reduced health-related quality of life, and in severe cases it may lead to hospitalization and even suicide. Further research is needed to address factors of particular relevance to the etiology of depression in children with GTS and thus improve its recognition but also treatment and outcome.