Advances in Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders: From Mechanism to Intervention

Dear Colleagues,

Tourette syndrome and tic disorders are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by motor and vocal tics and frequently accompanied by a wide range of neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Despite significant advances in clinical characterisation, important gaps remain in our understanding of their underlying neurobiological mechanisms, developmental trajectories and optimal therapeutic strategies. In recent years, progress in neuroscience, genetics, neuroimaging, digital phenotyping and interventional research has opened new avenues for both mechanistic insight and clinical innovation.

This Special Issue, ‘Advances in Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders: From Mechanism to Intervention,’ aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of cutting-edge research spanning basic, translational and clinical domains. We welcome original research articles, systematic and scoping reviews and perspectives addressing the pathophysiology of tic disorders, including neural circuit dysfunction, neurotransmitter systems, immune and neurodevelopmental mechanisms and genetic and epigenetic factors.

In parallel, the Special Issue seeks to highlight advances in clinical assessment and treatment, encompassing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, neuromodulation, behavioural therapies and emerging personalised and biomarker-informed approaches. Contributions exploring developmental aspects, comorbidities, sex and gender differences, digital health tools and real-world outcomes are particularly encouraged.

By integrating mechanistic insights with therapeutic innovation, this Special Issue aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and to bridge the gap between neuroscience research and clinical practice, ultimately contributing to improved understanding and management of Tourette syndrome and tic disorders across the lifespan.

Dr. Natalia Szejko
Guest Editor

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