Tourette’s syndrome is a disorder where people have involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations called tics. The first symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome is almost always noticed in childhood, generally between 7 and 10 years of age. It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have the most severe form of Tourette’s Syndrome, and as many as one in 100 have milder symptoms.
Tourette’s Syndrome can be a chronic, lifetime condition, although most people with the condition experience the worst symptoms in their teens, with improvement as they approach adulthood.
Tourette symptoms, or Tics, are classified as either simple or complex. Simple tics are sudden, brief, repetitive physical movements such as eye blinking or facial grimacing, or sudden vocalizations such as repetitive throat-clearing or grunting sounds. Complex tics are distinct, coordinated movements involving several muscle groups, including a combination of facial grimacing with shoulder shrugs, or acts appearing purposeful like hopping or jumping.
Tics may often be worse with excitement or anxiety and better during calm, focused activities, although tics do not go away during sleep (but they tend to be diminished).
Although psychological problems are not the direct cause of Tourette Syndrome, psychotherapy can help a person with Tourette’s better manage the disorder and the social and emotional problems that sometimes accompany the disorder.
Southwest Neurofeedback provides state-of-the art treatment for Tourette Syndrome to help people manage the disorder and live normal, productive lives.
For more information on treatment for Tourette’s Syndrome, please contact us or call (480) 314-4299.