Tourettes

Syndrome
By Anthony Haynes

What is Tourettes?

Formally known as Gilles de la Tourette

syndrome: a neuropsychiatric disorder
that causes a person to move and or
speak in an uncontrolled manner.
These uncontrolled mannerisms that
pertain to tourettes are known as tics.
Interconnected and or related closely
to other mental illnesses

Who does Tourettes affect?

Tourettes usually surfaces in early childhood
and adolescence; may continue into adulthood
Boys are affected 3-5 times more often than
girls
It may affect people of any racial or ethnic
group
People with other mental illnesses are more
likely to develop the disorder

U.S. and Utah Tourettes rates

Recent surveys suggest that 1 in every

360 American Children is diagnosed.
Nearly 37% of these children reported
debilitating tics

As tourettes rarely remains into

adulthood there is insufficient data
otherwise.
Insufficient data for Utah statistics

Tics and Characteristics

A tic is the most
common or
discernible
characteristic of
tourettes; they vary
in type and
complexity.

A Motor tic is either a

small, uncontrolled,
and recurring
movement of a muscle.
A Vocal tic is a word
and or phrase that is
said without intention.

Complexity of Tics
Simple Tics:
An example being a
squint:
A simple tic is merely
composed of a few
closely connected
parts of the body.

Complexity of Tics
Complex Tics:
A complex tic is the
result of multiple
impulses triggered
through the body and
or mind.
Often pattern related

Specific Tics
Simple:

Shrugging
Grimacing
Squinting
Blinking
Nose-twitching
Hooting
Hissing
Barking

Complex:

Kissing
Sticking out tongue
Pinching
Obscene gestures
Touching behaviors
Repeated phrases or
words
Swearing

Diagnosis
Tourettes does not display typical
symptoms that entail its presence like other
illnesses other than tics.
An in-depth evaluation of the persons status is
reviewed.
Past experiences and genetic variability are
investigated.

Treatment
Psychotherapy: Used to help the individual
cope with challenges presented by the illness
and other problems.
Medication: No medicine has been found to
distinctly combat Tourettes Syndrome, although
medications for other mental illness may help.

Relation to other Mental Illnesses

Tourettes has been

found to be closely
connected to other
mental illnesses,
finding similarities
across the spectrum.

Sources
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/data.html
http://healthcare.utah.
edu/healthlibrary/library/diseases/pediatric/doc.php?
type=90&id=P02586
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/tourettesyndrome/basics/definition/CON-20043570?
DSECTION=all&p=1