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European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

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01-07-2007 | ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION

Behavior therapy in tic-disorders with co-existing ADHD

Authors: Prof. Dr. Manfred Döpfner, Prof. Dr. Aribert Rothenberger

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Special Issue 1/2007

Abstract

Objectives

To give an overview concerning the behavioral treatment approaches for Chronic Tic Disorder (CTD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and to provide some suggestions for the behavioral treatment of children and adolescents with a combination of both disorders.

Results

Pharmacotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of both ADHD and CTD. However, behavior therapy has also been proven to ameliorate the core symptoms of both disorders. The most prominent behavioral technique to reduce tics is habit reversal training. In ADHD behavioral interventions, especially parent training and behavioral interventions in preschool/school, are effective in reducing ADHD core symptoms and comorbid problems. In children and adolescents with ADHD plus CTD both ADHD and tic symptoms can be treated by behavioral interventions alone or in combination with pharmacotherapy. However, most of the published studies on behavioral interventions in children with ADHD or CTD do not give detailed information on comorbidity and many studies excluded patients with comorbid problems.

Conclusions

Clinical experience suggests that in CTD+ADHD success may be easier to achieve using behavioral treatment of ADHD first. Adherence to the habit reversal procedure to reduce tics in daily living is the most important problem in the behavioral treatment of tics especially in children with comorbid ADHD. Practical suggestions to overcome these difficulties are presented.

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Title: Behavior therapy in tic-disorders with co-existing ADHD
Authors: Prof. Dr. Manfred Döpfner
Prof. Dr. Aribert Rothenberger
Publication date: 01-07-2007
Publisher: Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue Special Issue 1/2007
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-007-1011-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Behavior therapy in tic-disorders with co-existing ADHD

Abstract

Objectives

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Results

Conclusions

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Other articles of this Special Issue 1/2007

Co-existence of tic disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-recent advances in understanding and treatment

Developmental psychopathology of children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome – impact of ADHD

The role of abnormal neural oscillations in the pathophysiology of co-occurring Tourette syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Neuroimaging of tic disorders with co-existing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

REM-sleep alterations in children with co-existence of tic disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: impact of hypermotor symptoms

Executive functions in children with chronic tic disorders with/without ADHD: new insights