Tourette’s disorder: What You Need to Know

Tourette’s disorder is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary movements and sounds called “tics.” Tics are sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic movements or vocalizations. Different children have different tics, such as blinking, twitching, barking, throat clearing, coughing, or repeating certain words. Some people with the disorder experience outbursts of profanity, although this particular tic is actually quite rare. To be diagnosed with Tourette’s a child must have both motor and vocal tics which have persisted—though they may wax and wane—for at least a year.

Boys are at least twice as likely to be diagnosed with Tourette’s than girls. Genetic links to tic disorders have been identified; children with a family history of the disorder are more likely to develop them.

Tourette’s disorder cannot be cured, but it can be treated through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.

There are a variety of medications commonly prescribed to help control the symptoms of Tourette’s disorder, and an experienced professional should closely monitor any course. A doctor may prescribe neuroleptic medications, which appear to help control tics by blocking the brain’s dopamine neurotransmitters.

Contact APG Clinical Research today to see if your child can qualify for one of our clinical studies involving Tourette's Disorder.

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