American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Pimozide is a medication that has received approval for the treatment of Tourette's disorder. It is an antipsychotic medication that primarily acts as a dopamine antagonist, which is particularly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of tic symptoms associated with Tourette's. Its use in this context is based on its ability to modulate dopamine pathways, which are implicated in the pathophysiology of Tourette's.

In contrast, the other medications listed do not have specific approval for Tourette's disorder. Buspirone is primarily an anxiolytic and is not associated with the treatment of tics. Sertraline and fluoxetine are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are mainly used for treating depression and anxiety disorders. Some studies suggest SSRIs might have a role in managing associated symptoms like obsessive-compulsive disorder in some patients with Tourette's, but they are not approved specifically for treating the disorder itself. Thus, Pimozide stands out as the only option developed and approved with this particular indication in mind.