Tourette Syndrome/Tic Disorders

Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Tic Disorders involve motor and vocal tics. They are often seen in combination with anxiety disorders, OCD, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Depression and ADHD. TS and chronic tics are thought to have neurobiological origins with genetic contributions and environmental influences.

Treatment of Tourette Syndrome/Tic Disorders:

Treatment involves therapy focused on understanding the environmental impact on tics and learning ways to make modifications to promote tic reduction. The most effective treatment is known as Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). This evidence-based treatment involves:

• Awareness training - identifying antecedents and consequences (the way the environment influences tics)
• Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
• Finding a competing response to replace the tic behavior
• Reinforcing the suppression of tics
• Learning coping tools to reduce embarrassment and negative social reactions (e.g., teasing by peers)
• Helping families to modify reactions to tics
• Improving school and social supports