Abstract
Background γ-Aminobutyric acid has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Tourette's disorder. The present study primarily sought to examine in vivo γ-aminobutyric acid levels in the anterior cingulate cortex in psychotropic medication-free adolescents and young adults. Secondarily, we sought to determine associations between γ-aminobutyric acid in the anterior cingulate cortex and measures of tic severity, tic-related impairment, and anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods γ-Aminobutyric acid levels were measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Analysis of covariance compared γ-aminobutyric acid levels in 15 youth with Tourette's disorder (mean age = 15.0, S.D. = 2.7) and 36 healthy comparison subjects (mean age = 15.9, S.D. = 2.1). Within the Tourette disorder group, we examined correlations between γ-aminobutyric acid levels and tic severity and tic-related impairment, as well as anxiety and depression severity. Results Anterior cingulate cortex γ-aminobutyric acid levels were lower in participants with Tourette's disorder compared with control subjects. Within the Tourette disorder group, γ-aminobutyric acid levels did not correlate with any clinical measures. Conclusions Our findings support a role for γ-aminobutyric acid in Tourette's disorder. Larger prospective studies will further elucidate this role.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 64-70 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Pediatric Neurology |
Volume | 65 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- GABA
- MRS
- Tourette's disorder
- adolescents
- children
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Neurology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology