{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Expert consensus on pharmacotherapy for tic disorders in Japan.
{Author}: Hamamoto Y;Fujio M;Nonaka M;Matsuda N;Kono T;Kano Y;
{Journal}: Brain Dev
{Volume}: 41
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: Jun 2019
{Factor}: 2.272
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.braindev.2019.02.003
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>We aimed to clarify the current status of pharmacotherapy for tic disorders and comorbidities in Japan. We used a systematic survey to collate the consensus of Japanese experts and compare it with the recent international evidence.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We devised a questionnaire on pharmacotherapy for tics and comorbidities and sent it to Japanese experts on tic disorders. Based on the response to the first survey, we revised the questionnaire and conducted a second survey to determine the consensus among the experts on a 4-point Likert scale by the Delphi method.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The first survey revealed variability in preferred medications and dosages among the experts in Japan. However, we were able to build a general consensus on pharmacotherapy for tic disorders and comorbidities based on the second survey. Aripiprazole and risperidone were the first- and second-line medication for tic disorders, respectively. Agonists of α-2 adrenergic receptors were seldom prescribed. Fluvoxamine was the first-line medication for comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder, and atomoxetine for comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This study will help Japanese physicians choose medications for tic disorders more judiciously and will improve the quality of tic pharmacotherapy in Japan.