Psychology

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder. Neuropsychiatry has to do with diseases of the nervous system. It is not contagious, but is genetic meaning it is inherited. This syndrome is characterized by multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic. They can be suppressed temporarily with medication. Individuals with Tourette’s do have to go through a lot of struggle. Not only is it easy to have twitches but then having the people comment on your disorder makes it harder for them. They are mistaking as doing false movements. Even though Tourette’s is not a common disorder, it is widely known.
The causes for Tourette’s are not known. But research does point to abnormalities in certain brain parts which are the basal ganglia, frontal lobes and cortex; also the connectors that interconnect with the regions and the neurotransmitters which are responsible for the communication among nerve cells. Individuals who have Tourette's experience other neuro problems such as ADHD and OCD. There are two types of characteristics in the tics, which are both simple and complex. Simple tics involve a few motor tics which are just movements they’re sudden and brief. The movements involve a limited number of muscle groups. An example of simple tics would be eye blinking, facial grimacing, and also shoulder shrugging. Complex tics are more different in their own ways. They are coordinated patterns of movements and involve more muscle groups than in simple tics. Examples of complex tics would be facial grimacing mixed with a head twist and a shoulder shrug. The tics can get as bad as them jumping, hopping and twisting. In some situation the tics can be self-harming.
Usually tics are preceded by an urge which is called premonitory urge. Some treatments for Tourette's in helping control their tics are several; drugs, natural remedies, counseling, CBT, HRT. Drugs are just prescription medication which is the most common treatment that is used in... [continues]

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