Behavioral treatments for Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric condition associated with substantial distress and functional impairment. Pharmacotherapy has traditionally been considered the first-line intervention for this condition, but there is strong evidence that behavior therapy is a comparably effective treatment option. Here we review empirically supported behavior therapy protocols for treating TS and the evidence associated with each. Potential mechanisms through which behavior therapy operates and concerns surrounding the utilization of behavioral interventions are also discussed.