Tourette’s Syndrome and Tic Disorders

A tic is an unintended movement or vocalization made by an individual. It is actually quite common for youth to have a tic at some point in their lives, and most tics are harmless and short-lived. However, some individuals have a single tic or several tics that stay for prolonged periods of time, are painful, and/or interfere with everyday activities. In these cases, an individual may cross the threshold from a more typical tic to meeting criteria for a tic disorder. A psychologist or neurologist with expertise in tic disorders may be able to help identify when tic behavior begins to meet criteria for a tic disorder.

Tourette’s Syndrome is a type of tic disorder in which an individual has both motor and vocal tics. Many individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome also suffer from other impulse control disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In these cases, it is important to identify as an initial point of intervention which disorder is the most problematic.

Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome-oriented services at BCSC: