Tourettes
There is a common misconception that someone with Tourette’s is constantly swearing or shouting, but it can actually be a lot more subtle then this. Tourette’s is a condition where someone struggles with involuntary sounds or movements called “Tics”.
About Tourette’s
- You may not even be able to notice that someone has Tourette’s
- Tourette’s usually starts in childhood
- There is no cure to Tourette’s but you can get treatment to help you manage
- Tics can get worse in periods of stress, anxiety or tiredness
- Some tics can be painful if present aggressively (Head jerking backwards)
One of the recent episode of podcast Mabel talks about her experiences and you can listen here
Signs
Physical Tic examples
- Blinking eye rolling
- Shoulder shrugging
- Spinning
- Touching objects or people repeatedly
Verbal tics examples
- Whistling
- Grunting
- Swearing
- saying random words or phrases
Causes
We do not know the cause of Tourette’s but it is thought that it is linked to the part of the brain that regulates body movements.
Even though we do not know the cause Tourette’s, people who who have Tourette’s sometimes get a sensation right before they tic where they know that they are about to (almost like when you have the itch to sneeze)
Controlling Tics
- Some people cant control their tics at all and even if you can it takes practice and hard work
- Tics can appear less frequent when someone is either distracted or in periods of high concentration
Help
- If you are worried whether this is something y0ou are trying to manage, the first point of call is your GP
- A diagnosis can help understand conditions like Tourette’s but this can only come from a specialist
- Behavioural treatment such as ERP(Exposure and response prevention) and CBT( Cognitive behavioural therapy) can help some manage their tics through changing habits
- There are support groups and more info through the charity Tourette’s action which you can find a link to in other online information
Tics can get worse during times of stress or tiredness so managing them external things can sometimes then help you manage your tics.