Teak; sudden, repetitive movements, gestures, or vocalizations that are in some ways similar to normal behaviors. It is usually short-lived, seldom lasting longer than a second. The frequency of tics and their strain on the person can be variable. Many tics can be suppressed temporarily. Young children experience tics involuntarily. However, adolescents and adults often describe tics as an involuntary “impulse” originating from certain parts of the body, and instant relief is provided by the occurrence of tics. Motor tics can range from simple abrupt actions (blinks, head jerks, shrugs, etc.) to tics that seem to be more complex (e.g., facial expressions, arms, or head gestures). In more extreme cases, shameful acts (copropraxia) or self-mutilating behaviors (eg, hitting, biting) may occur. Vocal tics (phonic or vocal) tics can range from simple (eg, throat clearing) to more complex vocalizations or speech. In more extreme cases, it is possible to say dirty things (coprolali). Tics can sometimes be confused with other movement disorders or epileptic seizures. A child and adolescent psychiatrist can differentiate these diagnoses.
In treatment, education of the family and the child about the disease and its treatment, supportive interventions and drug therapy are important. Psychotherapy attempts can be made to increase the child’s self-esteem, social acceptance and coping skills. Collaborating with and training teachers is extremely beneficial. Tics can be treated with medication. Tics can sometimes be accompanied by other psychiatric conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder. Treatment of these disorders is important in terms of treatment success. It is appropriate for children and adolescents with tic disorders to be evaluated and treated by a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
