Eating behaviours in adults with Tourette syndrome

Posted on 28 March 2022 by Pippa McClounan

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New research study from the University of Hertfordshire

Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire are investigating differences in eating patterns between adults with and without Tourette syndrome, along with the relationships between eating and repetitive behaviours.

Despite there being a clear lack of research on eating behaviours in Tourette syndrome, a recent review highlighted a clear need for research to enable further understanding and subsequently, the development of more accurate guidance about eating behaviours in Tourette syndrome (Ludlow & Rogers, 2018).

Previous research has identified children with Tourette syndrome have heightened food fussiness than typically developing children. The levels of food fussiness found were similar to children with ASD and children with ADHD even when comorbidity was accounted for (Smith et al., 2019; Smith et al., 2020).

However, there is a lack of research exploring eating behaviours in adults with Tourette syndrome. A recent piece of research (Smith et al., 2022) has identified adults to have heightened food fussiness and food neophobia compared to adults without Tourette syndrome. Greater sensory sensitivity was positively associated with some eating behaviours.

The current study aims to develop upon this research by exploring restrictive eating patterns in adults with Tourette syndrome and the role repetitive and obsessive behaviours may have in predicting such eating patterns.

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to complete an anonymous 25-minute online survey.

Click here for more information and to take part in the survey

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