What is the recommended treatment for a girl with tics that are socially distressing?

The recommended treatment for a girl with tics that are socially distressing is pimozide. Pimozide is an antipsychotic medication that is specifically indicated for the management of Tourette syndrome and related tic disorders. It works by modulating neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine, which plays a key role in the expression of tics.

Tics can significantly impact a child's social interactions and quality of life, making it crucial to select an effective treatment that can help reduce the severity and frequency of these movements or sounds. Pimozide has been found to be effective in alleviating symptoms of tics, thus addressing both the physical manifestations and the social distress they may cause.

In contrast, other medications listed may not directly target tic disorders. Clonidine, though sometimes used for tics, is more commonly prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or to provide sedation and may not be as effective as pimozide for the specific case of socially distressing tics. Fluoxetine, an antidepressant, is primarily used for anxiety and mood disorders rather than tics. Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication mainly used to treat ADHD and lacks efficacy for tic disorders. Thus, pimo