It has two main parts: awareness training and competing response training. Habit reversal is one of the most studied behavioral interventions for people with tics 1. It is important to understand that even though behavioral therapies might help reduce the severity of tics, this does not mean that tics are just psychological or that anyone with tics should be able to control them. However, it can help reduce the number of tics, the severity of tics, the impact of tics, or a combination of all of these. Behavioral therapy is not a cure for tics. Tool Kit for Care Providers: Managing Tourette & Tic Disorders external icon Behavioral Therapy for Tourette Syndromeīehavioral therapy is a treatment that teaches people with TS ways to manage their tics. Learn more about medications » external icon Two common reasons for not using medications to treat TS are unpleasant side effects and failure of the medications to work as well as expected. In some cases, the side effects can be worse than the tics.Įven though medications often are used to treat the symptoms of TS, they might not be helpful for everyone. The side effects need to be considered carefully when deciding whether or not to use any medication to treat tics. Side effects can include weight gain, stiff muscles, tiredness, restlessness, and social withdrawal. Doctors often start with small doses and slowly increase as needed.Īs with all medications, those used to treat tics can have side effects. The doctor will want to find the medication and dose that have the best results and the fewest side effects. When deciding the best treatment, a doctor might try different medications and doses, and it may take time to find the treatment plan that works best. One person might do well with one medication, but not another. Medications affect each person differently. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating tics.
Most medications prescribed for TS have not been approved by the U.S. There is no one medication that is best for all people. However, they can help some people with TS in their everyday life. Medications do not eliminate tics completely. Medications also can be used to reduce symptoms of related conditions, such as ADHD or OCD. Medications can be used to reduce severe or disruptive tics that might have led to problems in the past with family and friends, other students, or coworkers.
Tool Kit for Families: Living with Tourette & Tic Disorders external icon Medications for Tourette Syndrome Taking advantage of all the resources available will help guide success. To develop the right treatment plan, people with tics, parents, and healthcare providers can work together and include teachers, childcare providers, coaches, therapists, and other family members. Sometimes treating these other conditions can help reduce tics. People with additional conditions will require different treatments based on the symptoms. It is common for people with TS to have other conditions, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When others understand these facts, people with TS might receive more support, which might, in turn, help lessen some tic symptoms. People with TS cannot help having tics, and are not being disruptive on purpose. A recently developed behavioral treatment is the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)Įducating the community (for example, peers, educators, and coworkers) about TS can increase understanding of the symptoms, reduce teasing, and decrease stress for people living with TS. However, medication and behavioral treatments are available if tics cause pain or injury interfere with school, work, or social life or cause stress. Many people with TS have tics that do not get in the way of their living their daily life and, therefore, do not need any treatment. Although there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome (TS), there are treatments to help manage the tics caused by TS.