Tourette Syndrome

Affecting approximately 1 in 160 children in the United States, Tourette Syndrome is known as a tic disorder. Tics are characterised by involuntary, repetitive movements (such as shrugging, jerking, or blinking) and/or vocalizations (such as humming, coughing, sniffing, or clearing the throat).

Recognizing Tourette Syndrome

  • Involuntary repeated body movements (motor tics)
  • Involuntary words or noises produced repeatedly (vocal tics)
  • Both motor and vocal tics may come and go and wax and wane in severity over time

Recommended Treatment For Tourette Syndrome

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics or CBIT (see-bit) is considered a “powerful technique” for treating Tourette Syndrome. A recent study indicated a reduction in tic severity among children and adolescents that completed a 10 week course of CBIT that was only slightly less than improvement experienced by children taking antipsychotic medication. Nearly 90% of those who see symptom reduction continue to see improved symptoms six months following treatment. CBIT consists of training to increase awareness of the tics, using a competing behavior when the urge to tic arises, and making changes to day-to-day life.

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