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About Tourette's

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is far more than the image you are likely to see in the media, where it is sensationalised and portrayed to be just about the 'swearing' which leads to people feeling it's ok to mock and laugh at those living with Tourette's. This is NOT Ok and we are working hard to change people's perception.

Here are some facts about Tourette Syndrome:

 

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a complex, neurological condition. It was first recognised as a disorder by French neurologist, Georges Gilles de la Tourette in 1886. 

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It is estimated that 1 in 100 people are born with TS, although many of these people will never be diagnosed as it's likely they will have tics so mild that they may not even be aware of them. The varying severity of tics suggest that a more fitting classification may be Tourette's Spectrum Disorder.

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Tics are the main component of TS. These are involuntary movements and verbal sounds, words and phrases which are not a reflection of that person's thoughts, feelings, or an insight into their inner world.

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What is NOT commonly understood about TS is that it rarely comes alone and most people who have a TS diagnosis also have other complex conditions to cope with as well, such as ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, and ASD, to name a few. Have a look at our 'tip of the iceberg' image to see what more can cooccur with TS.

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Tourette's is usually diagnosed in childhood and for a formal diagnosis to be given, both motor and vocal tics must be present for at least one year with no break over three months. Tics will wax and wane and many will disappear only to be replaced with new ones.​

Image of an iceberg showing coexisting conditions on the section under the water surface

What are tics?

 

Tics are completely involuntary and people with TS have no control over them. Some tics are consistent and you will see them all the time. They are often painful and cause fatigue. Imagine you have a repetitive strain injury; you can rest and adapt what you're doing to allow the sore area to heal. As tics are involuntary, even when they are causing pain, the person with TS can't stop them.​

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Some tics are transient, meaning they come and go and are even more unpredictable, often causing embarrassment and difficult situations for people with TS.

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Some tics are contextual or environmental, meaning that something in the environment can trigger the tic. Examples of this would be shouting "BOMB" at an airport, making pig noises when they see a police officer, slapping a bald man's head or pushing the emergency button/fire alarm.

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There are different types of tic. Here are some examples:

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Motor: These can be eye-blinking, neck and head jerks, arm and leg movements, pinching, kicking, hitting, freezing position, taking clothes off, falling to the ground, etc.

Vocal: These can be throat clearing, grunting, sniffing, coughing, repeating words or phrases, animal sounds, different accents, stuttering, singing, breathing tics, etc.

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There are also more complex tics called coprolalia and copropraxia:

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Coprolalia: Only 10% of the Tourette's population have these tics and they are quite often linked to contextual/environmental tics. Examples of coprolalia could be shouting something racial when you see someone with a different skin colour. It may also be something homophobic, sexual, or regarding disability.

Copropraxia: Includes offensive hand gestures, invading people's personal space, inappropriate touching of self or others, spitting, and hugging and kissing others.

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Please remember, these are not a reflection of what the person with TS thinks or feels, nor are they directed at you - they are involuntary.

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What are the triggers for tics?

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Tics can be triggered by anything at all. Stress, anxiety, excitement and sensory overload are common triggers. We've already mentioned environmental triggers. There are also others such as feeling nervous, not knowing what's happening next, what the expectations are, as well as confrontation.

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What is suppression?

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People with TS can sometimes suppress tics for a short period of time but this cannot be maintained as it takes a huge amount of concentration. Suppressing is also exhausting, can be painful, and it interferes with the person's ability to cope with everyday experiences. As a result of suppressing, people with TS may be easily agitated, feel short-tempered, have a lack of focus or it can bring on tic attacks. Imagine trying to hold in a sneeze all day - it takes a lot of effort and it still has to come out at some point where it's usually louder and more noticeable.

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How can you help?

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  • Remember, tics are not directed at you!

  • Try not to stare - tics are embarrassing and when people stare it makes them worse and can cause a huge amount of anxiety.

  • Try to ignore tics.

  • Everyone with TS is different and everyone has their own way of dealing with tics - it's ok to ask how they would like you to react. Some people prefer you to ignore their tics, others prefer to deal with them by using humour.

  • If someone looks like they are having a difficult time with their tics, it's ok to check in with them and offer reassurance.

  • Please be understanding.

  • Please be patient.

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Our one wish is for people with TS to feel comfortable being out in their communities, either on their own or with friends and family. Often people with TS choose to isolate or are too anxious to leave their homes because of bad experiences with people's reaction to their tics. Please be kind and remember the courage it has taken for that person to be out and about and, if you see someone having a difficult time, a kind word goes a long way.

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For downloadable fact sheets, please visit our Resources section. If you are a member of Tourette Scotland, there are further information sheets available in our member's section.

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