Sensory Dysregulation Is Associated With Worse Symptom Severities in Youth With Tic Disorder.

This article focuses on sensory dysregulation in youth with chronic tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome, and its association with tic severity and co-occurring conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety disorders. In a study of 40 participants aged 6 to 17, 77% exhibited sensory dysregulation—particularly sensory sensitivity and sensory avoidance—which correlated with increased severity of tics, premonitory urges, and symptoms of OCD, ADHD, and anxiety. The findings suggest that sensory dysregulation is common in this population and may be linked to underlying neurological mechanisms involving sensory gating and motor cortex function. The study highlights the importance of assessing sensory symptoms in clinical care and suggests that therapies targeting sensory dysregulation could improve outcomes for youth with chronic tic disorders and co-occurring conditions.