NEUROFEEDBACK AS AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR TICS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH TOURETTE SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Tourette Syndrome is characterized by the pivotal presence of motor and vocal tics. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder reflecting individual-dependent tics that are described by severity, frequency, localization of speech, and fluctuation. Electroencephalography of patients with Tourette Syndrome showed a reduced sensorimotor rhythm with an excessive fronto-central theta activity, both considered as a main cause of motor and cognitive disturbances. Objective: Several studies revealed the crucial role of neurofeedback also known as EEG Biofeedback in reducing tics in patients diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. The current systematic review tackles the effectiveness of Neurofeedback therapy in reducing tics in adolescents with Tourette Syndrome to be more precise. Methods: Three databases (Medline, Embase, and APA PsycINFO) were used to search for studies that included adolescents with Tourette Syndrome who received Neurofeedback as a treatment for reducing tics, with no restriction by language. For all records, titles and abstracts were screened and full texts reviewed by two reviewers to minimize the risk of bias; thus, data was extracted. Results/Future Perspectives: The current systematic review discussed and highlighted positive outcomes when it comes to the role of neurofeedback in reducing tics in adolescents with Tourette Syndrome. Various meta-analyses showed a high clinical effectiveness of neurofeedback in reducing tics in children with Tourette Syndrome. Nevertheless, a limited and restricted number of studies tackling adolescents and adults are found. Hence, further studies on adolescents shall be conducted.