What is tourette syndrome treatment?
If you’re like most people, you probably think of Tourette Syndrome as that thing where people curse uncontrollably. But did you know that only about 10% of those with Tourette’s have coprolalia (the fancy term for involuntary swearing)? That’s right, there’s a whole lot more to it than just yelling obscenities in public.
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by tics—sudden, repetitive movements or vocalizations that are difficult to control. While tics vary from person to person and can be either motor or vocal, they usually start between ages 5-7 and peak around the age of 11 before tapering off into adulthood. Those living with TS often experience social stigma due to their condition.
While there may currently be no cure for TS, proper management of symptoms via medication or therapy significantly improves daily life for those affected by this condition (this includes yourself too)!
Is There Medication Available?
Indeed, medications such as anti-psychotics are often prescribed to aid in controlling tics. The type(s) of medication suggested by healthcare providers include:
Dopamine Blockers
Dopamine blocking medications inhibit dopamine production which lessens tic frequency and intensity:
Risperidone
Haloperidol
Alpha Agonists
Alpha-adrenergic agonists help modulate neural activity resulting in fewer erratic muscle spasms:
Clonidine
Guanfacine
These names may sound intimidating but reaching out to your doctor could make all the difference!
How Does Behavioral Therapy Help?
For many people coping with TS behavioral interventions allow greater control over unwanted behaviors. Here are some options one might consider when seeking therapy:
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
CBIT programs teach self-monitoring techniques used across multiple settings to promote environmental modification leading to lower stress levels and minimizing ‘tic-trigger’ situations
Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT)
A highly developed form of CBIT. Focused specifically on preventing unwanted behaviors while creating a sense of self-awareness.
Both forms of therapy teach new ways to identify tics, consolidate the thoughts & feelings surrounding them with techniques designed for relaxation and anxiety management such as breathing exercises & posative reinforcement tactics. These are just some examples but as everyone is unique so too should their treatment plan be tailored accordingly.
Non-Medical Treatment
While medication and behavioral therapies may provide symptomatic relief; many theratuaric activities can help people develop greater control over involuntary movements / vocalizations:
Exercise
Aerobic activities offer short-term symptom relief by raising dopamine levels in the brain which results in an increased sense of well-being
– Jogging : Minimalistic running over medium distances offers a natural-looking tic-reducing outlet
– Swimming : Calming ambiance instantly allows one’s body to relieve any tension built up throughout the day
Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation
By developing a heightened state of awareness about what one feels physically, mentally or emotionally individuals become more able reduce anxiety levels.
– Breathing Exercises helping people differentiate between different tensions within muscles groups
These are not necessarily tools against intrusive thoughts first since it targets improving mental clarity from within oneself thereby causing minute muscle contractions ease away altogether eventually relieving tics from manifesting. Keep practicing every week and smoothen your way fun dealing with this condition!
Surgery? Really?
Believe it or not, brain surgery might be an option reserved for only those whose symptoms have serious life-altering consequences that cannot be relieved through other methods.
Note: This remains relatively rare due risks associated wihregardikng complications arising during medically invasive procedures:
Deep Brain Stimulation(DBS) – Wires connected to an electrode in the brain manage overactive neurons that can cause tics. Provide significant relief post-surgery
Thalamotomy- Disrupts communication between nerve cells in thalamic structures, which are associated with motor control.
Surgical intervention should never be seen as a first choice but rather a necessary measure for severe cases where other treatments have been ineffective.
Wrapping Up
For people coping with Tourette Syndrome, symptoms such as these may understandably lead to confusion or anxiety while living day-to-day around others. But: learning all available treatment options can provide perspectives and hopefully ease some of the discomfort stemming from this condition!
Remember: even if one type of treatment doesn’t work well for you, there are plenty of alternative options out there!