THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF TOURETTE SYNDROME

Abstract

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder, more prevalent in males and typically diagnosed in early childhood, characterized by the presence of tics lasting for more than one year, often associated with other mental disorders. It is defined by the presence of involuntary motor and vocal tics (simple and complex) that can reduce quality of life. Although there is no definitive cure, treatment is based on behavioral therapy and pharmacological interventions, such as the use of aripiprazole, haloperidol, among other drugs. There is still limited consensus on the best therapeutic approach due to the various side effects, but these treatments can improve symptoms and, consequently, quality of life. This review aims to analyze contemporary guidelines for diagnosis and intervention strategies. The methodology used is a narrative literature review conducted in 2026, using the PubMed database, with the descriptors “Tourette Syndrome,” “Treatment,” and “Diagnosis.” Articles published in the last five years, available in full text, in Portuguese and English, were included, while those not addressing the topic, duplicates, or with low methodological rigor were excluded. The analysis of the articles shows that the diagnosis of TS is clinical and must be differentiated from tics of other disorders. The use of validated instruments is necessary, with the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) being the most widely used to assess tic severity, as well as the Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (PUTS). As an initial therapeutic approach, behavioral therapies are the first option, followed by pharmacological treatment. In severe and refractory TS cases unresponsive to multiple lines of treatment, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is considered a therapeutic option. Based on the analysis of the articles, it is concluded that the diagnosis of TS is difficult and exclusionary, requiring a multidisciplinary approach, with an essentially clinical diagnosis combined with standardized instruments. Although it is a syndrome without a cure, combined therapeutic strategies can improve the quality of life of individuals with TS.