Tourette Syndrome, popularly known as “Tick”; It is the movements or sounds that the individual makes outside of his or very little control. Tourette’s Syndrome is a genetic tic disorder defined as physical (motor) tic and vocal tic. According to experts; There are opinions that the cause of Tic Disorder is damage to some parts of the brain. Individuals with Tourette Syndrome should apply to the Neurology and Psychiatry departments.
Tic Cough can occur at any age, and the most common age range is between 6-18 years of age. It is more common in individuals with psychopathological disorders such as Tic Disorder, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Autism, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). A person’s high level of stress can also cause an increase in the severity of tics. Most individuals with Torette syndrome; He has a normal level of intelligence.
Tic Disorder, if the person has passed the adolescence period, the severity of the tics decreases. Tourette Syndrome is more common in boys than girls. The distinguishing point in this syndrome is; are tics. While tics may occur with mild severity, they can sometimes occur at an intense level. Symptoms of this disorder must persist for at least 1 year. Tourette Syndrome usually begins with simple tics such as “blinking, shrugging”. Symptoms of the syndrome are more likely to occur in the 6-7 age range.
What is the Treatment of Tourette Syndrome?
Since the child with Tourette Syndrome has many problems in his social life, a decrease in school success, and deterioration in friendships, the individual needs to start treatment as soon as possible.
Since the syndrome is a genetic disorder, the most effective treatment method is “drug therapy”. With regular drug use, the severity of the negative conditions caused by the disorder can be reduced. The person should take their medication under the control of a psychiatrist.
Medication alone is not sufficient in the treatment of this disorder. Taking therapy support by a psychiatrist in addition to drug treatment accelerates the provision of very important positive developments in treatment.
Purpose of treatment; It’s not about eliminating tics completely. It is to reduce the problems caused by tics in the social life of the child and to regain the social functionality of the person.
It is not possible to eliminate tics by punishing or criticizing the child. Therefore, parents whose child has Tourette’s Syndrome should be aware of the difficulties experienced by the child and should treat the child with awareness.
