Fine‐motor skill deficits in childhood predict adulthood tic severity and global psychosocial functioning in Tourette's syndrome

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01561.x
• Publication Date: 2005-11-09T12:04:20Z
• Authors: Michael H. Bloch; Denis G. Sukhodolsky; James F. Leckman; Robert T. Schultz
• Keywords: Neuropsychological test; Neuropsychological Assessment

Background: Most children with Tourette's syndrome (TS) experience a significant decline in tic symptoms during adolescence. Currently no clinical measures have been identified that can predict whose will persist into adulthood. Patients TS deficits on neuropsychological tests involving fine‐motor coordination and visual‐motor integration. We seek to determine if these are useful predicting future symptom severity. Methods: Thirty‐two children, aged 8–14, underwent evaluation focused testing battery consisting of the Purdue Pegboard, Beery Visual‐Motor Integration (VMI) Test Rey‐Osterreith Complex Figure Task (RCFT). A follow‐up assessment was performed an average 7.5 years later. Ordinal logistic regression analysis used correlate at Time 1 severity, OCD severity global psychosocial functioning 2. Results: Poor performance dominant hand Pegboard test predicted worse adulthood correlated time childhood assessment. VMI (both non‐dominant hand) also functioning. None were course patients. Conclusion: Fine motor skill may be predictor function TS. hypothesize serve as endophenotype study provide rough measure degree basal ganglia dysfunction present