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.