Sleep-Related Problems in Youth with TouretteÕs Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder

Abstract

This study reports the prevalence and symptom correlates of sleep related problems (SRPs) in a sample of young people with TouretteÕs Syndrome (TS) or Chronic Tic Disorder. Fifty-six young people (and one of their parents) with a tic disorder were administered the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. Children completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children. Parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory -Parent Proxy and Child Behavior Checklist. Overall, SRPs were widely endorsed, with 80.4% experiencing at least one SRP and 19.7% experiencing four or more. SRPs were negatively associated with quality of life and positively associated with internalising and externalising behaviours. Children with comorbid anxiety disorders had more SRPs than those without. We conclude by recommending that SRPs be assessed in young people with tics (particularly when comorbid anxiety is present), and highlight the role of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological intervention in reducing SRPs. Key Practitioner Message: • Sleep related problems (SRPs) are relatively common in young people with tic disorders and suggest the need for SRPs to be included in the comprehensive assessment and management of young people with tics • SRPs were positively linked to both anxiety and internalising and externalising behaviours and negatively related to child-and parent-rated quality of life • Should SRPs be present and clinically meaningful, treatment per evidence-based guidelines may be warrante