Tourette Syndrome

1) What it is

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by motor and vocal tics. Tics often change over time and increase with stress, excitement, anxiety, or tiredness.

2) What it feels like

• “I feel an urge before the tic.”
• “It’s harder to control when stressed.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• motor tics (blinking, head movements)
• vocal tics (throat clearing, sounds)
• increased tics during stress
• temporary suppression followed by rebound

4) Why it happens

• neurological differences
• often begins in childhood
• overlap with ADHD and OCD traits

5) Triggers

• stress
• fatigue
• excitement

6) What helps now

• reduce overload
• accept rather than fight tics
• supportive environments

7) Daily self-help support

• routine and rest
• education to reduce shame

8) Professional treatment options

• CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics)
• occupational therapy
• medication via specialists if needed

9) Medication

Used only when tics significantly impair daily life.

10) Practical tips

• tics are not deliberate
• stress reduction reduces severity

11) When to seek urgent help

Urgent help if tics cause injury or severe distress.

12) Where to get help (UK)

• GP referral to neurology
• Tourette’s support organisations
• NHS mental health support if anxiety is linked

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