Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci.  2014 Dec;12(3):235-239. 10.9758/cpn.2014.12.3.235.

Adolescent with Tourette Syndrome and Bipolar Disorder: A Case Report

• Shim SH
• Kwon YJ

• KMID: 2279936
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2014.12.3.235

Abstract

Tourette syndrome consists of multiple motor tics and one or more vocal tics. Psychopathology occurs in approximately 90% of Tourette syndrome patients, with attention-deficit/hyperactivity, mood, and obsessive-compulsive disorders being common. Additionally, Tourette syndrome and bipolar disorder may be related in some individuals. However, it is unclear why bipolar disorder may be overrepresented in Tourette syndrome patients, and more research is needed. Herein, we report the case of a 15-year-old boy diagnosed with both Tourette syndrome and bipolar disorder, whose symptoms improved with aripiprazole, atomoxetine, and valproate. The patient was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at 8 years of age when he developed tics and experienced his first depressive episode. The patient had a poor response to a variety of antidepressants and anti-tic medications. A combination of valproate and aripiprazole stabilized both the patient's tics and mood symptoms. It is important to assess individuals with Tourette syndrome for other disorders, including bipolar disorder. The treatment of children and adolescents with both Tourette syndrome and bipolar disorder is an important clinical issue.

Keyword

Bipolar disorder; Child; Adolescent; Tourette syndrome

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Antidepressive Agents
Bipolar Disorder*
Child
Humans
Male
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Psychopathology
Tics
Tourette Syndrome*
Valproic Acid
Aripiprazole
Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
Antidepressive Agents
Valproic Acid