The Treatment Of Tourette’s Syndrome

The treatment of Tourette’s syndrome is not a common topic, as  this neurological disorder affects one in 100 people. It is characterized by the occurrence of tics (compulsive involuntary movements), which develop into repetitive movements or unwanted sounds.

This disease has a major impact on the lives of those who suffer from it, where it affects both social and occupational aspects. Unfortunately, there is no cure at this time. However, there are different approaches that can improve the situation. We explain about them in the sections below.

What is Tourette’s Syndrome?

Tourette’s syndrome, as we have just mentioned,  consists of the occurrence of involuntary movements or sounds that cannot be controlled. In most cases, this disorder begins to manifest in childhood or adolescence before the age of 15 years.

The cause of the disorder is unknown, although experts believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. It is actually more frequent in people who have it in the family and it appears more in men than in women.

The tics are movements or sudden and short-lived sounds and can be divided into two categories: simple or complex. The first is the one that involves small muscle groups, such as blinking. On the other hand, complex tics include several muscle groups.

Many people identify Tourette’s syndrome as the disorder that causes people to swear or insult at inappropriate and uncontrolled times. However, the manifestations can vary widely and may not necessarily include this symptom.

The involuntary movements of tics are the classic signs of Tourette’s syndrome.

The medical treatment of Tourette’s syndrome

Many people do not require any treatment for this disorder. This is because in some cases the symptoms are mild and do not affect everyday life. However  , they can also be disabling, which is why there are various solutions to alleviate the tics. One of them is using medication.

An article published in the  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke  states that certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are involved in the development of this disorder. Medical treatment for Tourette’s syndrome therefore involves drugs that block or reduce dopamine.

For example, doctors prescribe haloperidol and risperidone. On the one hand, these drugs seem to help reduce tics. However, they present a high risk of side effects such as weight gain.

Another solution is to inject botox into the muscle, which creates tics. Research is currently being conducted into the use of anticonvulsant medications, such as topiramate.

At the same time, it is important to emphasize that Tourette’s syndrome usually coexists with other disorders. Some of these include  anxiety, depression and OCD. Doctors thus often prescribe antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication to relieve these symptoms.

Behavioral therapy as the treatment of Tourette’s syndrome

Behavioral therapy is a type of psychological therapy that seeks to retrain patients to control their tics. The idea is that when patients identify the signs that appear before the involuntary actions, they can produce another reaction that counteracts them.

This type of therapy consists of different strategies. While it is certain that it helps reduce the number and degree of tics, it is not a definitive cure for tourettes. In addition, it is not effective for all people.

Addictive therapy

One of the techniques in behavior therapy is addictive therapy. According to a study published in the University of Miguel Hernández  , it has the potential to effectively treat Tourette’s syndrome without requiring medication.

This method consists of different stages and involves increasing attention to the tics to identify them. From there  , the individuals learn to produce a reaction that is not compatible with the tics.

For example, let’s say the tics consist of touching their head with their hands. The first step is then to become aware of this movement and when it happens. New behavior will then be to place the hand somewhere else such as on the knees to avoid making the movement.

Psychological support is a form of treatment that aims to be as drug-free as possible.

Holistic intervention against tics

Another type of behavioral therapy in the treatment of Tourette’s syndrome is holistic intervention against tics. In this case, it includes habituation, relaxation and education with regard to a person’s own tics to reduce the symptoms of the disorder.

This type of strategy not only handles patients, but also involves other people in their environment to promote recovery. If there is a boy in the school, the treatment will also involve the boy’s teachers.

What should be kept in mind regarding the treatment of Tourette’s syndrome?

The treatment of Tourette’s syndrome is complex and the  disease has a major impact on the people who suffer from it. Although there is no cure for this disorder, there are various strategies to improve the symptoms.

Behavioral therapy is a promising solution to improve the quality of life of individuals without the need for medication. It is very important to emphasize that psychological support is essential when it comes to dealing with this disorder.