Self-concept and self-consciousness in adults with Tourette syndrome

Can J Psychiatry. 1995 Feb;40(1):35-9. doi: 10.1177/070674379504000109.

Abstract

The hypothesis that adults with Tourette Syndrome (TS) have a lower level of self-concept and a higher level of public self-consciousness and social anxiety than the general population was examined. Ninety-eight suitable adults responded to a letter distributed to the members of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada. The findings indicated that the group with TS and high obsessive-compulsive symptoms, but not TS alone, had significantly lower self-concepts than the general population. Both males and females with TS and high obsessive-compulsive symptoms scored higher on social anxiety than the general population, but no differences in public self-consciousness were found. The results of this study argue that people with TS alone do not have impaired self-concepts or social anxiety, but both of these disorders tend to be present among those who suffer from both TS and significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / diagnosis
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / psychology
  • Personality Inventory
  • Self Concept*
  • Sick Role*
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Social Environment
  • Tourette Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Tourette Syndrome / psychology*