Neurocognitive profiles of attentional networks in children with Tic disorders

Abstract

Objective

Tic disorders (TD) are childhood-onset neurodevelopmental conditions marked by sudden, rapid, recurrent motor and/or vocal tics. This study aimed to investigate attentional network functioning in children with TD using the Attention Network Test (ANT), which assesses alerting, orienting, and executive control.

Methods

Seventy-eight children with TD and 78 age-matched healthy controls were recruited. TD participants were classified into three subtypes: persistent motor/vocal tic disorder, provisional tic disorder, and Tourette syndrome (TS). All participants completed the ANT, and outcomes were analyzed for alerting, orienting, conflict effects, reaction time, and accuracy. Subgroup comparisons were also conducted based on TD subtype and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) scores (≥30 vs <30).

Results

Compared to controls, children with TD showed significantly reduced orienting effects, longer reaction times, and lower accuracy (all P < 0.05). No group differences were observed in alerting or conflict effects. Subtype analyses revealed significant differences in reaction time and accuracy but not in attentional network effects. No significant ANT performance differences were found between severity subgroups.

Conclusion

Children with TD exhibit specific impairments in attentional networks, particularly in orienting function, along with slower responses and reduced accuracy. These findings highlight cognitive features of TD and support the use of ANT in neuropsychological assessment.