Perinatal Adversities and Tourette Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides a literature review and critical commentary on studies evaluating the association between pregnancy-related and birth-related adversities in Tourette syndrome. Perinatal risk factors for the development of Tourette syndrome include low birth weight and the simultaneous presence of multiple pregnancy, delivery, and/or neonatal adversities. Risk factors for more severe tics may include older paternal age, maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy, maternal severe nausea and/or vomiting during the first trimester, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal medication use during pregnancy, low birth weight, and delivery complications. These factors have not been replicated across studies, however. Maternal smoking during pregnancy and low birth weight are risk factors for the presence of comorbid obsessive–compulsive disorder and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in individuals with a tic disorder.