Tourette syndrome

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Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Your self-esteem may suffer as a result of Tourette syndrome. You may be embarrassed about your tics. You may hesitate to engage in social activities, such as dating or going out in public. As a result, you're at increased risk of depression and substance abuse.

If you have Tourette syndrome, here are tips for coping with your disorder:

  • Remember that tics usually get better as you get older. Tics usually reach their peak in the early teens to midteens.
  • Reach out to others dealing with Tourette syndrome for support and information.

Children with Tourette syndrome
School may pose special challenges for children with Tourette syndrome.

To help your child:

  • Get informed. Learn as much as you can about Tourette syndrome. Talk to your doctor about any questions you have.
  • Be your child's advocate. Help educate teachers, school bus drivers and others with whom your child interacts regularly.
  • Find a support group. To help you cope, ask your doctor for the names of local Tourette syndrome support groups. If there aren't any, consider starting one.
References
  1. Tourette syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/default.htm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2010.
  2. Jankovic, J. Tourette syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 11, 2010.
  3. Tourette syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tourette/detail_tourette.htm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2010.
  4. Tourette syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=tourettesyndrome/show/print. Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
  5. Cavanna AE, et al. The behavioral spectrum of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 2009;21:13.
  6. Tourette syndrome: Frequently asked questions. Tourette Syndrome Association. http://www.tsa-usa.org/Medical/Faqs.html. Accessed Jan. 22,2010.
  7. Conolea CA, et al. The influence of contextual factors on tic expression in Tourette's syndrome: A review Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 2008;65:487.
DS00541 May 8, 2010

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