Olanzapine in the Treatment of Aggression and Tics in Children with Tourette's Syndrome—A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of olanzapine on aggressive behaviour and tic severity in children with Tourette's Syndrome (TS).

Method:

Ten (10) subjects (aged 7–13 years) with a primary diagnosis of TS and a history of aggressive behaviour were treated in a single-blind, 2-week placebo run-in, 8-week treatment phase trial. The starting dose of olanzapine was 1.25–2.5 mg/day and was titrated at biweekly intervals, as tolerated. The mean dosage at the end of the trial was 14.5 mg/day.

Results:

All 10 subjects completed the study. Olanzapine produced clinically and statistically significant reductions of aggression and tic severity from baseline to trial completion, as measured by the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS). Weight gain during the treatment period was the most common adverse effect (range 2–20 lbs: group mean 12.0 lbs ± 5.71). No other significant adverse effects were observed during the 10-week trial.

Conclusion:

The results of this trial confirm clinical observations that olanzapine may be an effective treatment for aggression and tics in children with Tourette's syndrome. Olanzapine was generally well tolerated, although significant weight gain was observed throughout the trial.