The Neuroanatomical Functions of Tourette Syndrome and a Treatment Analysis

• Main Author: Curd, Kacie L.
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarship @ Claremont 2012
• Subjects: Tourette syndrome; neuroanatomy; treatment; Clinical Psychology
• Online Access: http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/315; http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1320&context=cmc_theses

The etiology of Tourette syndrome has been elusive for researchers ever since its discovery, making treatment especially difficult. After proving the disorder was organic in the second half of the 20th century, researchers have been creating theories of the underlying neural basis for Tourette’s symptomatology. These theories include abnormalities in brain structure, dysregulation of the dopamine system, dysregulation of the serotonin system and overall neurotransmitter system interactions. The etiology is likely a complex combination of all of these. Treatments for this disorder include pharmacological, behavioral and surgical. I believe the best approach for treatment is behavioral first, followed by pharmacological if behavioral does not work, and then surgical as a last resort if the previous two do not show results.