Tourettes Syndrome and OCD

Tourettes Syndrome and OCD OCD Related Conditions Print Tourettes Syndrome and OCD Tourettes Syndrome Is Often Associated With OCD By Owen Kelly, PhD Updated on April 19, 2019 Hero Images/Getty Images More in OCD Related Conditions Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Types Living With OCD In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms Prevalence Causes Treatment View All Back To Top Tourette’s syndrome is named after French neurologist Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the disorder in 1885. This childhood-onset movement disorder is often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), and other disorders. In fact, 86% of children with Tourettes syndrome also have at least one other behavioral, mental, or developmental condition, and the most common of these are OCD and ADHD. Symptoms The main symptom associated with Tourette’s syndrome is the presence of tics. Tics are sudden, brief, involuntary or semi-voluntary movements or sounds. Motor Tics Simple motor tics involve only a single muscle or group of muscles and can be brief (eye-blinking or nose twitching), prolonged (shoulder turning or mouth opening) or sustained for a long period of time (extending or flexing a limb).Complex motor tics are more involved and often resemble normal movement such as jumping, hitting, throwing or touching; however, they often occur in inappropriate settings or include inappropriate or obscene gestures. These complex motor tics can cause considerable embarrassment for the affected person. Sound or Phonic Tics Simple phonic tics are usually meaningless noises or utterances. Common examples include blowing, coughing, throat clearing, grunting, sniffing, or hiccuping.Complex phonic tics are words or phrases that include obscenities, echoing what others say, and repeating one’s own statements. Tics can be suppressed and usually improve when the child is distracted; however, they can reappear anytime. The Downside of Suppressing Tics Suppressing tics for a long period of time can actually lead to a dramatic increase in tics later on. Many patients report physical discomfort just before carrying out a tic. Affected children will execute the tic over and over again until it feels “just right.” Prevalence Tourette’s syndrome is relatively rare, occurring in less than 1% of the population. It is five times more common among males than females and usually begins between 8 and 10 years of age. For most children, symptoms tend to improve by the end of adolescence with a small number becoming symptom-free. Many children with Tourette’s also have ADHD, OCD and other psychiatric problems, such as depression or social phobia. Other behavioral problems common to children with Tourette’s syndrome are poor impulse control, inability to control anger, inappropriate sexual aggressiveness, and antisocial behavior. Causes As tics and associated illnesses like OCD improve with medications that alter the brain neurochemicals  serotonin and dopamine, it has been speculated that Tourette’s syndrome may be partially the result of abnormalities in the communication of these neurochemicals. In addition, many studies have noted abnormalities within an area of the brain called the basal ganglia (an area important to the initiation and cessation of movement) among people with Tourette’s syndrome. Genes may also play a role in developing Tourette’s syndrome. Close relatives of individuals with Tourette’s syndrome often have tics, OCD or ADHD. Treatment Behavioral treatments that aim to improve social functioning, self-esteem, and quality of life are the first-line treatment strategy for Tourette’s syndrome. Common behavior therapies include cognitive-behavior therapy and relaxation therapy. Involving parents, teachers, and classmates in the efforts is often essential for effective treatment. If the child is severely affected or engaging in self-harming behavior, medication may be needed. Medications that are effective for treating the symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome include atypical antipsychotics, such as Haldol (haloperidol) and Orap (pimozide), and atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperdal (risperidone) and Zyprexa (olanzapine). When symptoms of OCD, anxiety, and depression are present, treatment may also include antidepressants, such as Prozac (fluoxetine) or Anafranil (clomipramine). Be sure to discuss which treatment options may be best with your doctor.