Although tics are the defining feature of chronic tic disorders (CTD), many children experience comorbid internalizing and externalizing problems that contribute to impairment across several domains, including family functioning. The current study examined clinical correlates and predictors of caregiver strain in parents of children with CTD. Participants were 123 children and adolescents diagnosed with a CTD who participated in a randomized-controlled trial of behavior therapy for reducing tics. Results showed that a combination of disruptive behavior, inattention/hyperactivity, and tic intensity best explained objective strain and a combination of inattention/hyperactivity and tic intensity were the best predictors of subjective caregiver strain. Implications of these findings for care providers are discussed.
Keywords: Tourette disorder; caregiver strain; chronic tic disorder; externalizing; family functioning; internalizing.