Tourette Syndrome and Human Behavior (Paperback)

by David E. Comings (Author)
Key Phrases: gts gene, disinhibition gene, sleep problem score, New York, City of Hope Human Behavior Questionnaire, Gilles de la Tourette (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The story of how Tourette syndrome, a common hereditary disorder, provides insights into the cause and treatment of a wide range of human behavioral problems. It covers diagnosis, associated behaviors including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disorders, dyslexia, conduct disorder, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, alcoholism, drug abuse, obesity, depression, panic attacks, phobias, night terrors, bed wetting, sleep disturbances, lying, stealing, inappropriate sexual behavior, and others, brain structure and chemistry, treatment and implications for society, over 2,500 references, 30 page Tourette syndrome-Human Behavior Questionnaire, and Extensive index

About the Author
David E. Comings, M.D.is theDirector of the Tourette Syndrome Clinic and the Department of Medical Genetics at the City of Hope National Medical Center. This book is based on his personal experience with more than 3,000 Tourette syndrome and 2,000 attention deficit hyperactivity patients and their relatives. Dr. Comings was editor of the American Journal of Human Genetics for eight years and President of the American Society of Human Genetics. He has written over 350 papers on many aspects of genetics and over 100 papers on clinical and genetic aspects of Tourette syndrome.

Product Details

• Paperback: 850 pages
• Publisher: Hope Press (April 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1878267280
• ISBN-13: 978-1878267283
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #689,409 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the "one" book to have if your child has Tourettes!, September 25, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews

This book answered so many questions for me about tourettes Syndrome and many questions I had yet to even conjure. The information is presented so that even the non medical person can read with ease. Despite the size I never put the book down once I started reading. The information gave me the information to confirm my suspicions that my son had Tourettes Syndrome and the knowledge and understanding of how to present that information to my childs physician and get a diagnosis. I read the book a few years ago but now as I am propelled to seek a degree in psychology from the information I learned about Tourettes Syndrome frequently I refer to "Tourettes Syndrome and Human Behavior" when I speak publicly on the subject and have referred the book to physicians, psychologist, educators and parents.

Noreene M. Bailey parent of a child with tourettes psychology student at SFCC

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Dated and too inclusive, March 5, 2003

By	Audata (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This book was written in 1990, and there have been great strides in research since then. Comings lumps too many other diagnoses into a description of Tourette Syndrome, which is confusing and can be catastrophic when you are trying to get the right treatment for an individual. Yes, SOME people with Tourette's have the other complications that Comings describes- but NOT ALL. It is fine to be treated for ADHD, OCD, TS, and other conditions if that is what you or your child has, but if you don't have ADHD, OCD, and other conditions, you deserve to be treated only for what you do have.

The book is also slanted because it is based upon research that represents those who seek treatment for TS, not the general population with TS. Most people who seek treatment for TS have more complicated problems than just tics. Research since this book was published is more inclusive of the wider population.

For the best and most up to date information, stick with the Leckman/Cohen book. Or read Amy Wilensky's book. Stay away from Comings. So much has changed in 13 years of research into TS and the human genome.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A readable guide for professional and parent on Tourettes, November 30, 1998

By	Dr. L. H. Scheidle([e-mail]) (North East, Maryland) - See all my reviews

Don't let the thickness scare you. And don't think that Tourette's is just the "cussin' disease." Dr. Comings has written a very readable yet comprehensive work on Tourette's Syndrome including a host of related "spectrum disorders" such as ADHD, ODD, OCD, and Conduct Disorder, etc. His background as a geneticist and treating physician give the reader both an understanding of the genetics and heritability of these disorders and comprehensive treatment guidelines regarding medications and therapy for them. I have been able to solve a variety of "mysteries" presenting in my practice that have responded well to Dr. Comings' RX recommendations. Dr. Comings` book has been so useful in my psychology practice (private ADHD Clinic) that I have ordered copies for all my physician referral sources. Parents will find some info rather technical but Dr. Comings give you permission to skip chapters. His case studies and TS "pedigrees" will certainly hit home with many parents who have struggled with the troublesome but often subtle symptoms of the spectrum disorders. Highly Recommended.