Tourette's Disorder

Specific treatment for Tourette's disorder will be determined by your child's physician based on: 

• your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• the extent of disruption caused by tic behavior
• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disorder
• your opinion or preference

The effect of symptoms on the child's or adolescent's self-concept, family and peer relationships, and classroom participation determines what needs may need to be addressed in treatment. In many cases, TD is not disabling. Development may proceed normally and there is no need for treatment. However, when tics interfere with functioning or school performance, and/or if there are other disorders also present (i.e., obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), some effective medications are available. Children with TD can generally function well at home and in a regular classroom. If they have accompanying emotional or learning problems, they may require special classes, psychotherapy, and/or medication. 

Prevention of Tourette's disorder: 

The genetics behind Tourette's disorder are complicated. For this reason, it is important for individuals and families with Tourette's disorder to have genetic counseling by a geneticist (a physician with specialized training and certification in clinical genetics) or a genetic counselor, once a diagnosis has been made in the family.