Revisiting Stigma in Tourette Syndrome: A Comprehensive Overview

Title: Addressing Stigmatization in Youth with Persistent Tic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Source: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02332-3
Keywords: Tourette Syndrome, Stigmatization, Adolescent Health, Social Discrimination, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Persistent Tic Disorders (PTD), including Tourette Syndrome (TS), represent significant childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorders affecting a notable segment of the youth population. Despite advancements in understanding and treatment, the stigmatization of individuals with these disorders remains a considerable societal challenge. A recent scoping review published in the European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry journal underscores the ongoing issue of stigmatization faced by young people diagnosed with PTD, marking a critical update on this topic since the last comprehensive review in 2016.

A thorough search of several leading electronic databases, including Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, yielded 4,751 articles. After rigorous screening for relevance, a total of 47 studies were deemed fit for inclusion, presenting a more nuanced understanding of the stigmatization associated with PTD through the lens of a social-ecological model. This framework categorizes stigmatization into individual, interpersonal, community, and structural levels, offering a broader context than prior analyses.

At the individual level, young individuals with PTD often struggle with lower self-esteem compared to their peers. This diminished self-concept frequently results in anxiety regarding potential future stigmatization, leading to avoidance behaviors and internalized stigma. Interpersonal interactions reveal that these youth experience heightened rates of bullying and various forms of abuse.

Community obstacles further complicate their circumstances. Many children and adolescents with PTD contend with discriminatory atmospheres in educational and occupational settings, alongside inadequate access to community support services and healthcare resources. At the structural level, a significant knowledge gap about PTD persists in the general population, exacerbated by limited accurate representations in media.

The findings from this updated scoping review aim to inform and stimulate future initiatives to reduce stigmatization of the youth suffering from PTD. By enhancing public understanding and fostering supportive environments, stakeholders can work towards ameliorating the challenges these young individuals face, ultimately contributing to more inclusive and empathetic communities. As society grapples with various social stigmas, addressing the biases against neurodevelopmental disorders like Tourette Syndrome is crucial for encouraging acceptance, understanding, and comprehensive support systems for affected families.