The Impact of Tic Severity Dimensions on Impairment and Quality of Life among Youth with Chronic Tic Disorders

Varied findings exist concerning the relationship between global tic severity, impairment, and quality of life for youth with chronic tic disorders (TD). As global tic severity is comprised of multiple dimensions, specific dimensional aspects (e.g., tic severity type, tic number, tic frequency, tic intensity, tic complexity, tic interference) may impact impairment and quality of life by varying degrees. Twenty-four youth with TD completed an assessment of global tic severity, tic-related impairment, and quality of life. Findings suggest that motor tic severity significantly predicted clinician-rated impairment. Tic number, tic complexity, and tic interference significantly predicted parent-rated impairment. No dimensional aspects of tic severity predicted child-rated quality of life. Findings highlight that dimensional aspects of tic severity impact tic-related impairment distinctively. Clinical implications of these results are discussed.