A behavioural intervention for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome in a severely mentally handicapped girl.

Abstract

This paper describes an attempt to treat Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) in a severely mentally handicapped girl, using a cue-controlled relaxation technique. Response to treatment followed a pattern frequently found in the general clinical literature. Namely tic frequency decreased during relaxation sessions but there was no generalization of effects outside of relaxation sessions. Pharmacological intervention, using clonidine, also did not reduce tic frequency. However, pimozide proved immediately effective in suppressing tics and this improvement was maintained at follow-up. Medication side effects were noted and implications for long-term treatment of GTS are discussed.