Demographic and clinical characteristics.

Background
Tic disorders, characterized by involuntary movements or vocalizations, are influenced by neurological and psychological factors. Although an imbalance in neurotransmitter systems, genetic factors, and environmental influences play a significant role in the expression of tic disorders, the precise mechanisms through which autonomic changes influence tic production are not fully understood yet. This study investigates the relationship between tic disorders and heart rate variability (HRV), a physiological marker of autonomic nervous system function. The study sought to identify correlations among tic symptoms, HRV indices, and perceived quality of life.
Methods
In a cohort of 69 participants (39 with tic disorders and 30 controls), we assessed tic severity using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and quality of life through the KIDSCREEN-27 instrument. HRV parameters were measured to evaluate autonomic nervous system activity.
Results
Patients with tic disorders exhibited significant differences in HRV measures compared to the control group, indicating altered autonomic nervous system functioning. Our findings revealed notable differences in HRV, especially lower Low Frequency (LF) power in the patient group, suggesting altered autonomic responses potentially linked to chronic stress. Correlations between HRV metrics (notably SDNN and RMSSD) and various life quality dimensions were observed in the patient group. These results underscore a potential interplay between tic symptoms, autonomic balance, and adolescents’ perceived quality of life.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of considering autonomic nervous system functioning in tic disorders, particularly in the context of stress and perceived quality of life. Our findings, which provide insights into tic disorders’ physiological and psychological aspects, have important implications for developing more holistic treatment approaches that consider tic patients’ mental and physical well-being.