Movement and Attention Dysfunctions in Patients with Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Comorbid Forms

Grant Type
Clinical
Grant Year
1999-2000
Institution Location
Foreign
Institution Organization Name
Monash University Australia
Investigators Name
Georgiou-Karistianis, Nellie, PhD

The focus of this research project is to examine aspects of behavior in patients with specific brain impairments, and especially the effects on the basal ganglia, such as occurs with TS, obsessive compulsive disorder, and when both disorders occur together. We intend to develop new experimental procedures which will allow us to assess the more salient motor and attentional abnormalities observed in these disorders. The intended experimental procedures will address concepts such as: ability to re-program movements, bimanual coordination, effects of concurrent tasks, inhibition, and speed of mental processing. Examining subjects with unique forms of brain impairment provides insight into specific behavior dysfunctions, and thus the underlying brain areas responsible for this dysfunction. Evaluating the more salient deficits of these disorders will not only allow us to further understand the extent of patients’ abilities, but may provide clinical applications in ameliorating the effects of such disorders. Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis, Ph.D. John L. Bradshaw, Ph.D. Monash University, Victoria, Australia Award $17,770 Tourette Association of America Inc. – Research Grant Award 1999-2000