"The transformation has been truly amazing! I now feel much more in control of my emotions and can handle my responsibilities as a mother and professional without feeling overwhelmed."

- P.C., East Memphis

Tics & Tourette Disorder

Tic & Tourette’s Disorders can be effectively managed with the right resources and support. Working with one of our therapists who specializes in these conditions can greatly enhance your quality of life.

Tic disorders are neurological conditions marked by sudden, rapid, repetitive, and involuntary movements or vocalizations known as tics. They can be motor (movements) or vocal (sounds or words), ranging from mild to severe, and often interfere with daily life. Usually starting in childhood, symptoms peak during adolescence and frequently improve after adulthood.

Types of Tic Disorders

Provisional Tic Disorder

Is characterized by motor or vocal tics lasting less than 12 months, with onset in childhood or adolescence. These tics are unrelated to medication, substance use, or other medical conditions. For instance, a child might temporarily exhibit frequent eye blinking or throat-clearing.

Chronic Tic Disorder

Lasts more than 12 months and involves either motor tics (movement-related) or vocal tics (sound-related), but not both. This disorder typically has its onset before the age of 18. An example is an individual who has consistent shoulder shrugging for over a year without any vocal tics.

Tourette’s Disorder

Individuals may exhibit both motor and vocal tics, which do not necessarily occur simultaneously. These tics can last for at least 12 months, though they may vary in intensity and frequency. Symptoms typically manifest during childhood, usually between the ages of 5 and 10, with motor tics often developing before vocal tics. Over time, the type and severity of tics can fluctuate. People with Tourette’s syndrome can temporarily suppress their tics; however, this suppression requires considerable effort and may lead to a subsequent increase in tics.

Key Features of Tic & Tourette’s Disorders

  • Sudden, rapid, and uncontrollable movements or sounds—known as tics—can be repetitive in nature.

Types of Tics:

  • Motor tics are physical movements that may include eye blinking, nose twitching, shoulder shrugging, or head jerking.

  • Vocal tics are sounds or utterances, such as throat clearing, grunting, humming, or repeating words.

Simple vs. Complex Tics:

  • Simple tics include brief and repetitive actions (e.g., blinking, sniffing).

  • Complex tics involve longer sequences of coordinated movements or utterances (e.g., jumping, repeating phrases).

Common Triggers

Tics often intensify during periods of anxiety, fatigue, or excitement but tend to diminish during calm or focused activities.

While individuals may temporarily hold back tics, they often feel discomfort or a "build-up" sensation that leads to a release.

Help Starts Here

Help Starts Here

If these features resonate, it's important to consider seeking support from one of our specialists.

Take Your First Step Towards Tomorrow

Treatment Options

  • Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

  • Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Behavioral Therapy

  • Mindfulness

When to Seek Help for Tic & Tourette’s Disorders

  • If tics interfere with school, work, social activities, or daily routines.

  • If symptoms result in physical discomfort or pain, like muscle strain or fatigue.

  • If symptoms of ADHD, OCD, anxiety, or depression appear alongside tics.

  • If tics persist for over 12 months or worsen in intensity.

  • If tics lead to embarrassment, low self-esteem, or social withdrawal.