Neuropsychological Assessment in Tourette Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Neuropsychological research and its clinical applications for those with Tourette syndrome (TS) are a promising area. Previous limitations in the literature are now being addressed and include factors such as controlling for the presence of co-occurring conditions, the separate study of children and adults, examination of factors such as time since onset of tics, and translation from the laboratory to the clinic. This chapter discusses the literature on the major domains of cognition and adaptive behavior in TS, with an emphasis on strengths and weaknesses. There is a focus on recent literature (published since 2012), but the chapter includes important older studies on intellectual function, language, learning and memory, attention, and executive function. Importantly, the chapter independently reports on child and adult studies and their implications. The chapter then discusses what is known about the real-world behavioral sequelae among individuals with TS, including adaptive behavior, as well as educational and employment outcomes. The chapter focuses on the potential neuropsychological mechanisms that may be playing out to impact on these areas of life. The role that neuropsychological factors have had in the understanding of outcome in interventions is also reviewed. The chapter then focuses on the clinical application of the corpus of literature on neuropsychology in TS. It discusses the importance of using the research findings along with clinical decision-making, considering cultural factors, limitations of tests, and the complexity of TS in the formulation to guide understanding and intervention for the individuals who live with the condition.