Novel Potential Avenues for the Therapy of Tourette Syndrome: Cannabinoid- and Steroid-Based Interventions

The document discusses the potential use of cannabinoid- and steroid-based drugs as alternative therapies for Tourette syndrome (TS). Current treatments for TS are not consistently effective and can have significant side effects. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids has been suggested by patient surveys and small clinical trials, although the efficacy of the main psychoactive cannabis ingredient, THC, in reducing tic severity is modest. Combining THC with other cannabinoids or related compounds may have therapeutic effects, but the use of cannabinoids in TS is controversial due to the risk of psychopathology, especially in children and adolescents. Neuroactive steroids may also play a role in TS, but clinical investigations on steroid-related drugs as therapies for tic disorders are still preliminary. Steroidogenesis inhibitors like finasteride may show promise for treating adult male TS patients, but more research is needed to determine their therapeutic value and toxicity. Overall, further research is necessary to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety of cannabinoids and steroids for TS.