Abstract
Objective: To identify similarities and differences
in neuropsychiatric correlates in children
with Tourette's syndrome (TS) and those with ADHD. Method:
The sample consisted of
children with Tourette's syndrome with ADHD(N=79),
children with Tourette's syndrome
without ADHD (N=18), children with ADHD (N=563),
psychiatrically referred children
(N=212), and healthy controls (N=140). Results:
Disorders specifically associated with
Tourette's syndrome were obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and simple
phobias. Rates
of other disorders, including other disruptive behavioral, mood, and anxiety
disorders,
neuropsychologic correlates, and social and school functioning were indistinguishable
in
children with Tourette's and ADHD. However, children with Tourette's
syndrome plus
ADHD had more additional comorbid disorders overall and lower psychosocial
function
than children with ADHD. Conclusions: These findings confirm previously
noted
associations between Tourette's syndrome and OCDbut suggest that
disruptive behavioral, mood,
and anxiety disorders as well as cognitive dysfunctions may be accounted
for by comorbidity
with ADHD. However, Tourette's syndrome plus ADHD appears to be a
more severe
condition than ADHD alone.
