Tourette syndrome is associated with insecure attachment and higher aggression

Abstract

This study explored the degree to which adult patients with Tourette syndrome (TS) exhibit particular attachment styles and the possible association between the underlying attachment dimensions and forms of aggression. Fifty-three TS patients (ages 17–72 years) and 54 matched healthy controls completed the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Scale (ECR-R) and the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). The data were analysed with ANOVA F-tests, t-tests, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. TS patients showed significantly higher scores in relationship anxiety ( p < 0.001) and relationship avoidance ( p = 0.001) in the ECR-R and significantly higher aggression scores in the AQ ( p < 0.001). The total AQ score correlated significantly with the ECR-R dimension anxiety ( p < 0.001). These are the first findings on TS patients’ attachment styles and anger symptoms. It remains unclear whether attachment anxiety and avoidance are risk factors for TS or whether the disorder itself induces attachment disorders. Prospective studies with detailed attachment interviews would help to explore this issue.

KEYWORDS:

• attachment
• aggression
• anger
• anxiety
• avoidance
• Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome