Background: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorder manifesting by motor and vocal tics. In severe, treatment resistant cases of TS cannabis-based medicine could be used alternatively as a rescue therapy
Case presentation: We present the case of an 8-year-old boy with severe Tourette syndrome (TS) and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who significantly benefitted from treatment with cannabis-based medicine. During an episode with increased tics he became depressed, developed suicidal ideation and exhibited separation anxiety resulting in social isolation. As treatment with various antipsychotics and Habit Reversal Training turned out to be unsuccessful, we implemented therapy with oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as oil-based drops. Starting dose was as low as 0.7 mg THC/day once a day and was gradually increased up to maximum dose of 29.4 mg THC/day resulting in a significant improvement of both tics and behavioral symptoms. Follow-up visits over a period of 4 months demonstrated a sustained treatment effect without any adverse events.
Conclusion: From this single case report it is suggested that THC is effective and safe in the treatment of tics, depression and ADHD in children with severe and otherwise treatment resistant TS.
Key words: case report, THC, Tourette syndrome, tics, cannabis, children
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