Tourette Syndrome

What is it?

People with Tourette Syndrome (TS) have physical and vocal tics such as involuntary head movement, unwanted sounds or swearing. The condition typically appears in childhood and may come and go. TS symptoms can be mild or very noticeable. There are a number of other tic disorders similar to TS, with similar treatments.

What causes it?

The causes of TS are not well understood, but it is an inherited condition. It is not caused by any medications or behaviours of the parents and there is no known way to prevent it.

Treatment considerations

There is no cure for TS but it can be managed. The most important thing is often simply understanding and support so that people become more comfortable living with the condition. Psychotherapy and Behaviour Therapy can help alleviate the symptoms. Medication is only used in severe cases.

Developmental considerations

Physical tics can be so strong that people injure themselves.
There are some cases where TS like symptoms are the result of a different disorder.

Looking down the road

Tourette Syndrome brings extra challenges to life, however it would not normally stand in the way of someone working on towards their goals and ambitions.