Having Tics? Here's What You Need To Do

Having Tics? Here’s What You Need To Do


If you are experiencing tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds) most of your life or if you have observed that your child has been experiencing some form of uncontrollable movements which you cannot explain, DO NOT DISREGARD. At first we may think that the movements may just be mannerisms that they will overcome in the long run--think twice and address. It is always a better way not to disregard especially if the movements bother you or the person who has it.

Though, we may not conclude that you or somebody close to you is having Tourette Syndrome, here is the basis for it. Doctors actually use The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for making the diagnosis. If you happen to fall on this criteria then you may have Tourette Syndrome.

DSM-IV Criteria for Tourette Syndrome:

• both multiple motor tics and one or more vocal tics must be present at
the same time, although not necessarily concurrently;
• the tics must occur many times a day (usually in bouts) nearly every
day or intermittently over more than 1 year, during which time there
must not have been a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months;
• the age at onset must be less than 18 years;
• the disturbance must not be due to the direct physiological effects of
a substance (e.g. stimulants) or a general medical condition (e.g.
Huntington's disease or postviral encephalitis).

Having said that, the DSM-IV is not the only tool for diagnosing the disorder, doctors may also ask for the history--- how you come to notice the tics especially the frequency and types of tics. Just to refresh your memory on what Tourette Syndrome is all about, please read “What You Need To Know About Tourette Syndrome”.

Now, you may be wondering what you will undergo having those kinds of repetitive movements. It is very important to visit the doctor as soon as you notice the tics. It is better to address everything as soon as possible rather than later. Be prepared for tons of questions. The doctor will definitely look at the family’s medical history, the person’s symptoms and other clues to make a diagnosis. However, there are no standard tests for TS. Oftentimes, the doctors may use imaging tests like computerized tomography scan (CT Scan), electroencephalograms (EEG’s), magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRIs) and blood tests to rule out other conditions that might have symptoms similar to Tourette Syndrome.

TOURETTE SYNDROME IS NOT A PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS, for people who want to be finally diagnosed, please go directly to a NEUROLOGIST or a MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALIST. But do not be surprised if you will be referred to a psychiatrist or a psychologist, they will also help in addressing certain issues involved with TS. Oftentimes, these people work together to finally come up with a correct diagnosis and eventually help the person seek treatment.

Since Tourette Syndrome is a SPECTRUM DISORDER ( a combination of tics, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and other neurobehavioral disorders) other symptoms that may last for a longer period of time needs to be taken into consideration especially if they interfere with the normal function of the individual. Upon diagnosis, it is also suggested that you come to a neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist who are experts in handling special population such as TS for a deeper evaluation. Why do you need to do this? This will help you understand more of the issues or problems associated with TS in the behavioral, psychological, and social aspect which according to some parents, are more debilitating than the tics themselves. Counseling or psychotherapy is also a big help since it is proven to be effective treatment modality in medical clientele such as TS individuals.

In order to help you or your loved one cope with TS, it is very important for you to;

· EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT TS. Read on articles, journals, books, newspapers, and other resources about Tourette Syndrome. In this way, you can also educate others as well especially those people who will be dealing with TS in the long run.
· KEEP A JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF YOUR DISORDER. Jotting down important situations in your life that may be relevant in identifying specific factors associated with your disorder may help you a lot.
· OBSERVE, MONITOR AND DOCUMENT YOUR TICS. Keeping track of your symptoms will help you see the progress of your disorder and find out specific treatments that may be effective during the course of your illness.
· GET INVOLVED. Since TS is just new in the Philippines, we will all find great comfort if we get to learn from each others experiences with TS and offer a helping hand.
· FIND EXTERNAL SUPPORT. Join organizations or support groups offering services for the people involved with TS. In the Philippines, you can join the Philippine Tourette Syndrome Association to know other Filipinos involved.
· STRENGTHEN FAMILY SUPPORT. If the family is intact in providing support for the individual with TS, the person can go a long way in coping with the disorder better.
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Reference: Kids Health Website, 2007
Tourette Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria, 2004