INTRODUCTION
There are so many different diseases, disorders, ailments and syndromes that can affect human beings in ways that can impact the quantity or quality of life of those who suffer from them. Biological Psychology is a specific discipline that focuses upon the behaviors of human beings and other animals based on the study of their physiology, genetics and mechanisms of development. One of the many different afflictions that Biological Psychologists are interested in is Tourette Syndrome, also called Tourette Disorder, Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome or simply TS or GTS; it was first discovered by Georges Albest Edouard Brutus Gilles de la Tourette (Nordqvist, 2015). Tourette Syndrome is defined as an inherited neurological disorder with onset of symptoms beginning in childhood, which manifests with many motor tics and some verbal tics, which are repetitive and sudden movement, twitch or vocal outburst, some tics are unseen, like tensing of abdominal muscles, while others are quite apparent like eye-blinking or stating random phrases. Tourette Syndrome, like conditions like autism, is considered a spectrum disorder; meaning some children will show greater symptoms than others. While the exact cause of Tourette Syndrome is not yet known for certain, there are theories discussing the contribution of, both, genetic and environmental aspects. The dysfunction of Tourette Syndrome is seen in three parts of the brain, basal ganglia, frontal cortex and the thalamus involving certain neurotransmitters (Felling & Singer, 2011). In the case of Tourette’s that neurotransmitter is dopamine.
DISCUSSION
Many people have a somewhat stereotyped view of how someone who suffers from Tourette Syndrome actually behaves. They are often presented with very exaggerated tics, literally throwing punches, and the verbal tics are always some string of offensive statements or curse words. While they may have tics, including verbal tics, these extreme examples are incredibly rare (Nordqvist, 2015). That being said the range of tics on the spectrum can be disruptive, while others are manageable. It should also be known that the presence of Tourette Syndrome is also related to other disorders, like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which means that these conditions can compound the child’s symptoms and experiences (Felling & Singer, 2011).
There are a number of neurotransmitters that are involved in the tics and behaviors associated with Tourette Syndrome, but, as mentioned, Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters whose abnormality in the body is what contributes to the likelihood of ultimately being diagnosed with Tourette’s. It is explained that the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical, or CSTC, has shown that a dopaminergic dysfunction appears to be a specific contributor to the condition (Felling & Singer, 2011). There are four ways that researchers are linking dopamine to it contribution to the tics suffered by those with Tourette’s. The first is dopamine hyperinnervation referencing the involvement of nerves. The second is supersensitive dopamine receptors, referencing sensitivity to dopamine. Third, presynaptic dopamine abnormality, simply meaning that the levels of dopamine normally found are lacking. Finally, dopamine tonic-phasic dysfunction, which may leads to reduced levels of tonic dopamine in the extracellular space and this can result in high levels of dopamine in the axon terminal, as well, as an increase of stimulus-dependent dopamine release (Buse, Schoenefeld and et. al, 2013).
Many of those who conduct these studies with the goal of better understanding Tourette Syndrome admit that it is not an easy topic to study because the research will always have certain limitations. Again, Tourette Syndrome is a spectrum disorder. That being said since none of the children and youths studied have identical internal symptoms or external tics, some children have the issues with comorbidity with other conditions, like OCD and ADHD, which could affect the results (Felling & Singer, 2011). While there are still many mysteries involved in truly understand the absolute genetic cause and understanding the differing dopamine related contributors, there are current treatments available that can be incredibly beneficial. These treatments include medications, nonpharmacological treatments, neuroleptics and in some rare cases surgery. The medications showing the best results are antihypertensives, which controls high blood pressure and balances neurotransmitters, muscle relaxers, like baclofen and clonazepam, which aids in lessening spasm and tics and, finally, neuroleptics, which blocks the effects of dopamine on the brain (Nordqvist, 2015). Many Tourette’s sufferers have been benefitted by these treatments and have had improvements in the management of their condition and their quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Again, there are many different conditions and diseases that impact human beings, how they feel, how they live and how they behave. Tourette Syndrome is a very serious condition that prevents many children from being able to function in certain circumstances, display distracting and disruptive tics that negatively impact them in educational and social settings. While there are many different manifestations of the symptoms of the condition vary among sufferers, the efforts to understand, redefine the syndrome and more effectively treat and cure the syndrome is ongoing. It is expected in the near-distant future that more breakthroughs will occur and greater research into the condition is worthwhile.
REFERENCES
Buse, J., Schoenefeld, K and et. al. (2013). Neuromodulation in tourette syndrome: Dopamine
and beyond. Neuralscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 37(6). 1069-1084.
Felling, R.J. and Singer, H.S. (2011). Neurobiology of tourette syndrome: Current status and
need for further investigation. The Journal of Neuroscience. 31(35). 12387-12395.
Nordqvist, C. (2015). What is tourette syndrome? What causes tourette syndrome? Medical
News Today. 1. Retrieved August 8, 2916, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175009.php
