Which drug class is listed as used to treat Tourette syndrome?

Which drug class is listed as used to treat Tourette syndrome?

• A. Atypical antipsychotics
• B. SSRIs
• C. Mood stabilizers
• D. Benzodiazepines

Answer: (A)

Tourette syndrome is driven by dopaminergic activity in the circuits that control movement, and reducing this dopamine signaling helps lessen tics. Atypical antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors and often offer tic suppression with a lower risk of movement-related side effects than older antipsychotics, making them a common and effective pharmacologic choice for moderate to severe tics. They may also help address associated irritability or behavioral symptoms in some patients. SSRIs are mainly used for comorbid obsessive-compulsive symptoms or anxiety—not for tic suppression. Mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines don’t reliably reduce tic frequency or severity and are not primary treatments for Tourette syndrome.

Tourette syndrome is driven by dopaminergic activity in the circuits that control movement, and reducing this dopamine signaling helps lessen tics. Atypical antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors and often offer tic suppression with a lower risk of movement-related side effects than older antipsychotics, making them a common and effective pharmacologic choice for moderate to severe tics. They may also help address associated irritability or behavioral symptoms in some patients.

SSRIs are mainly used for comorbid obsessive-compulsive symptoms or anxiety—not for tic suppression. Mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines don’t reliably reduce tic frequency or severity and are not primary treatments for Tourette syndrome.