The Implementation of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for the Treatment of Tourette Syndrome and Disruptive Behavior

A diagnosis of Tourette syndrome (TS) can confer a plethora of negative outcomes including impaired psychosocial functioning, academic difficulties, disruptive behavior, and mood dysregulation. Further, children diagnosed with TS can engender immense amounts of burden and stress experienced by their caregivers which can put strain and tension on the parent–child relationship. Uncovering efficacious treatments for improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with TS and their families represents both a great challenge as well as a chief concern for professionals working with this population. The present case study describes the provision of parent–child interaction therapy for addressing behavioral problems in a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with TS. Results suggest improvements in child compliance, decreases in disruptive behaviors, and decreases in certain symptomatology associated with TS. Treatment implications for working with youth with TS are described in detail.