Title
Open Label Aripiprazole in the Treatment of Youth with Tic Disorders
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2008.0149
Abstract
Background: Primarily safe and efficacious treatments for chronic tic disorders are needed. Also needed are such treatments that target co-morbid conditions. Aripiprazole, a dopaminergic/serotonergic agent with partial agonist properties at the D2 dopamine receptor and 5-hydrdoxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor and antagonist properties at the 5-HT2A receptor, holds promise in both regards.
Objective: This was an open-label, flexible-dose study to evaluate the safety of aripiprazole in children and adolescents with a primary diagnosis of a chronic tic disorder with/without co-morbid disorder(s).
Method: Sixteen children (15 males) aged 8–17 years participated in the 6-week trial. Ratings for tic, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and side effects were administered weekly. Baseline and exit laboratory measures, electrocardiograms (ECGs), weight, and height were obtained.
Results: The average daily aripiprazole dose was 3.3 mg (range 1.25–7.5 mg). Significant pre-and posttreatment differences were ascertained for the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale motor (p ≤ 0.0001), phonic (p ≤ 0.0001), and total tic (p ≤ 0.0001) scores. Results of other rating scales suggested significant improvements in co-morbid disorders as well, including OCD, ADHD, and depressive disorders. Although aripiprazole was well tolerated, increases in weight were found.
Conclusion: In this preliminary open-label trial, aripiprazole was a well-tolerated treatment for tics and co-morbid OCD and ADHD symptoms. Improvements in co-morbid conditions may be secondary to tic reduction or to specific to aripiprazole therapy; however, further study is warranted.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, v. 19, issue 14, p. 441-447
Scholar Commons Citation
Murphy, Tanya K.; Mutch, P. Jane; Reid, Jeannette M.; Edge, Paula J.; Storch, Eric A.; Bengtson, Michael; and Yang, Mark, "Open Label Aripiprazole in the Treatment of Youth with Tic Disorders" (2009). Pediatrics Faculty Publications. 62.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/ped_facpub/62
