Tics

What Are Tics?

Tics can be rapid, jerky, movements over which the person seems to have no control; Or sudden noises or bits of speech that seemingly occur for no good reason.

More serious tics can occur in a condition called Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. These can be big movements of the arms, legs, or body itself, together with repetition of other peoples' speech (called echolalia) or other peoples' movements (called echopraxia).

Other seemingly involuntary 'tics' in Tourettes syndrome can include swearing (called coprolalia) and making obscene signs (called copropraxia).

How Common Are Tics?

Tics are more common than many people think. Somewhere between 1 in 10 and 1 in 5 children develop a tic at some time, although these normally pass quickly on their own without any help from a doctor or specialist.

Tics are more common in boys than in girls.

Tourettes syndrome is very rare.

Can It Be Treated?

Yes.

Usually all that is needed is some reassurance and advice, for both the parents and the child.

In cases that 'hang around' for longer, things like relaxation and techniques derived from behavioural therapy can be used.

One such technique is called satiation. This is where the child is encouraged to make the tic movement or sound, on purpose, over and over again until they are tired. We know this sounds like the opposite of what they need, but it really does work for a lot of people. In everyday-speak this can be regarded as a bit of reverse psychology.

In really severe cases, such as Tourettes syndrome, a doctor may prescribe some medicine called an antipsychotic or neuroleptic.

We are creating a SimplePsych factsheet on Tics which goes into more detail while still using easy to understand English. If you would be interested at this service being offered to you please let us know by emailing us Click Here

Thank you.

*** RECOMMENDED BOOKS ***

If you are interested in going into even more depth, the following book(s), sold by Amazon.co.uk, are recommended by us. Each is followed by a rating for ease of reading (1-3).

1=Simple and Easy to comprehend.
2=More Complex but still a good read.
3=Very Complex, only for professionals/those studying to degree level.

Tourette's Syndrome - Tics, Obsessions, Compulsions: Developmental Psychopathology & Clinical Care (Leckman & Cohen)

RATING SCORE = 3  A very comprehensive up-to-date textbook. At £85 it should be!

To return to the mainpage click here

OR Click Back on your Browser to return to the Previous Page.

Copyright© SimplePsych 2000