Systemic review of aripiprazole for the treatment of children and adolescents with tic disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to systematically review the data related to the treatment of tic disorders through aripiprazole administration, an atypical antipsychotic. The databases of MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the key words: “aripiprazole,” “tic,” and “Tourette,” and the relevant titles retrieved. Thirty-five articles met the inclusion criteria and were further scrutinized. Most of the articles were case reports, and only 2 published trials included control groups. The number of randomized double-blind controlled clinical trials was zero, therefore, no strong evidence, provided by one, or more well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials, was found. Current evidence suggests that aripiprazole is effective for treating tic and Tourette disorders in both children and adolescents. Moreover, it seems that its adverse effect profile is safer than pimozide and some other antipsychotics. Therefore, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled studies are needed to provide strong evidence on the issue.