Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the presence of Tourette syndrome

Increasing attention to comorbidity in Tourette syndrome has led to a search for factors that would help in the development of treatment strategies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Despite arguments and some research supporting various viewpoints, it is still unclear to what extent the frequency of co-occurrence is high in Tourette syndrome. It also is unclear whether attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are part of a spectrum with related genetic or environmental factors. One of the main difficulties is obtaining a truly representative community sample and agreeing upon the categorical boundaries. The consequences of this argument are discussed. Effective treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the presence of ties and Tourette syndrome has undergone considerable change from an absolute contraindication of stimulants to cautious use. For those whom stimulants fail or produce unacceptable side effects, nonstimulant medications are available in increasing variety. Much more methodologically adequate research needs to be undertaken with them.