Abstract
AbstractThe complex motor and behavioral phenotype of Tourette syndrome (TS) presents a unique challenge to measurement and clinical observations. Thorough neuropsychiatric assessments are the gold standard, although standardization and quantification of behavioral symptom severity are often difficult, posing a problem for interventional studies in particular. Different clinician-, informant-, and self-report rating instruments are available for tics and associated phenomena, for use in clinical practice and/or research settings. Some scales fall short of measuring the different dimensions of tic symptoms, such as frequency, intensity, interference, and impairment. The visible and audible nature of core TS symptoms allows direct observation of these symptoms using specific video protocols. A wide range of psychometrically validated clinician- and self-rated measures for obsessive–compulsive behavior, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depressive and anxiety symptoms are also available for use in clinical practice and/or research settings. The use of behavioral measures with adequate psychometric indices is recommended. The potential differences between information gathered from clinicians and patients should always be taken into account. It is recommended that clinicians and researchers combine information from professionals and patients (as well as informants if possible) to ensure that the information gathered is comprehensive and accurate.