Tourette's Disorder
Tourette's disorder involves repeated, involuntary movements or sounds called tics, ranging from simple eye blinking or throat clearing to more complex movements or vocalizations. Tics often change over time and can be worsened by stress or excitement. We help patients and families understand tics, manage related emotional impact like anxiety or self-consciousness, and access appropriate treatment.
Are tics something a person can control?
Tics are largely involuntary, though many people describe an urge that builds before a tic and some ability to briefly suppress them, often at a cost of increased discomfort or a stronger tic afterward.
Does Tourette's affect anything besides movement and sound?
Many people with Tourette's also experience related conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or OCD, and these co-occurring conditions are often what most affects daily functioning, not the tics themselves.
What treatment options exist?
Not everyone needs medication for tics alone, especially if they're mild. When tics are frequent, painful, or distressing, certain medications can help, alongside behavioral therapy approaches designed specifically for tic management.
