Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by a combination of involuntary, repetitive movements (motor tics) and vocalizations (vocal tics). These tics must have been present for at least a year for a diagnosis to be made, according to the American Psychiatric Association (2013). It's important to note that motor tics, whether transient or chronic, are relatively common in children, affecting an estimated 1-12% (Chowdhury, 2004).

If your Tics are becoming problematic and interfering with every day life, speak to your GP or make an appointment with us. We have practitioners who have experience helping young people develop strategies to manage tics.

A medical doctor diagnoses Tourette's syndrome, but research suggests most children go undiagnosed unless their tics are severe or occur alongside other mental health issues (Chowdhury, 2004). An estimated 10-15% of school-age children experience tics, but only 1-2% meet the strict criteria for a diagnosis.

Motor tics typically start around age 7, while vocal tics often appear later, around age 11. Tics tend to worsen during puberty but stabilise in adulthood. The severity, intensity, and frequency of tics vary throughout a child's life (Robertson & Cavanna, 2008).

The cause of Tourette's remains unclear, but it's thought to be an inherited developmental disorder (Leckman et al., 2001). While stress and anxiety don't cause tics, they can significantly worsen them (Chowdhury, 2004).

Most tic disorders, including Tourette's, require minimal intervention. Often, psychoeducation is enough. However, if tics cause pain or social embarrassment, intervention may help alleviate discomfort (Piacentini & Chang, 2006). Medication is the primary treatment in such cases. While some psychological strategies might help, there's limited evidence to support their effectiveness (Robertson, 2000).

Helping the child manage stress through relaxation and exercise can reduce tic frequency. Dr. Chowdhury recommends "massed practice," where children practice their tics before school or events, potentially leading to a natural period of rest for that tic. Habit reversal therapy also has some support. There are no licensed treatments for Tourette's Syndrome in the UK, but sympatholytic drugs such as clonidine and guanfacine have been shown to be effective as treatments (Cureus, 2023).