Aripiprazole in Tourette syndom

Tourette’s syndrome (TS) is characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics and behavioral disturbances (1.) Although the etiology of TS is unknown, there is evidence that the pathophysiology of TS involves an abnormality in the dopaminergic system. Neuroleptics show some effect reducing tics (1.) However the benefits of currently prescribed antipsychotics such as haloperidol or risperdidone are limited by motor side-effects among others. In this scenario aripiprazole (2.) could be an ideal alternative treatment due to a favorable side effect profile. Good responses in single case trials (3.) encouraged us to try the substance in a open study. Here, we report 12 cases with TS in whom motor tics markedly resolved. Patients had no serious adverse events suggesting that aripiprazole may provide a new avenue for symptomatic relief in TS. without the side-effects associated with typical and atypical antipsychotics.