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Tourette syndrome misconceptions only one battle for patients
April 15, 2009People often experience both Tourette and ADHD combined
Calgary, AB- The most disabling aspect of Tourette syndrome is that in 90% of cases, it exists in conjunction with another disorder. The most frequent co-occurring condition in people with Tourette is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), though the cause of this association is uncertain. Having one disorder can be disabling enough, but having two means coping with more than twice the disability.
New research published in the April 13 edition of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics by University of Calgary and University of Toronto researchers looked at nearly 400 children with Tourette syndrome to try to understand the connection between these two disorders. Their findings show that while Tourette and ADHD have a major genetic component, there are potentially preventable perinatal factors that increase the risk of a co-occurring diagnosis of ADHD in children with Tourette.
"We know that perinatal stress is a risk factor for ADHD alone. If you were low birth weight, if your mother smoked during pregnancy, or if you were born prematurely, all these things increase the risk of ADHD," says Dr. Tamara Pringsheim, Director, Calgary Tourette Syndrome Clinic, a University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine professor and lead author on the study.
To examine the link between Tourette and ADHD, the researchers looked at a population of children that had Tourette syndrome with or without ADHD and compared rates of perinatal risk factors such as low birth weight, prematurity, and maternal smoking in each group. Researchers found that the children exposed to these perinatal risks were two to three times as likely to develop Tourette syndrome with ADHD, suggesting that these factors play a role in the development of ADHD in children with Tourette as well.
Pringsheim, a neurologist and researcher says the important information from this research is for people at risk genetically for Tourette syndrome to take precautions when planning a family by "not smoking, trying to ensure a healthy weight for the baby, and receiving appropriate medical care." Quality of life in children with Tourette syndrome is most importantly determined by the severity of ADHD symptoms; anything one can do to minimize the chances of a co-occurring diagnosis of ADHD will allow children a greater chance of success and happiness in their life.
Laura Locke is a board member of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada and became involved with the foundation when her son was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of 10. "Research into Tourette syndrome is vital. We have seen the difference it can make to have accurate information about this disorder and better medications," she says.
Tourette syndrome has a great spectrum of severity. People with Tourette have motor and vocal tics -- rapid, repetitive, meaningless movements and sounds. Common motor tics include forceful blinking, opening the eyes wide, head shaking and grimacing, while the most common vocal tics are sniffing, throat clearing and grunting. Some people are very mildly affected, while others have more severe symptoms which make the disorder more noticeable and disabling. It is believed that Tourette syndrome affects about 1 in 100 people; however, many people do not seek medical attention for the disorder because the symptoms are so mild.
"There are a lot of misconceptions out there about people who suffer from Tourette. The images we see on TV and movies are completely false. I have some patients who have severe tics, but less than 10% of patients with Tourette syndrome swear. It's uncommon," says Pringsheim.
University of Calgary
"We know that perinatal stress is a risk factor for ADHD alone. If you were low birth weight, if your mother smoked during pregnancy, or if you were born prematurely, all these things increase the risk of ADHD," says Dr. Tamara Pringsheim, Director, Calgary Tourette Syndrome Clinic, a University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine professor and lead author on the study.
To examine the link between Tourette and ADHD, the researchers looked at a population of children that had Tourette syndrome with or without ADHD and compared rates of perinatal risk factors such as low birth weight, prematurity, and maternal smoking in each group. Researchers found that the children exposed to these perinatal risks were two to three times as likely to develop Tourette syndrome with ADHD, suggesting that these factors play a role in the development of ADHD in children with Tourette as well.
Pringsheim, a neurologist and researcher says the important information from this research is for people at risk genetically for Tourette syndrome to take precautions when planning a family by "not smoking, trying to ensure a healthy weight for the baby, and receiving appropriate medical care." Quality of life in children with Tourette syndrome is most importantly determined by the severity of ADHD symptoms; anything one can do to minimize the chances of a co-occurring diagnosis of ADHD will allow children a greater chance of success and happiness in their life.
Laura Locke is a board member of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada and became involved with the foundation when her son was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of 10. "Research into Tourette syndrome is vital. We have seen the difference it can make to have accurate information about this disorder and better medications," she says.
Tourette syndrome has a great spectrum of severity. People with Tourette have motor and vocal tics -- rapid, repetitive, meaningless movements and sounds. Common motor tics include forceful blinking, opening the eyes wide, head shaking and grimacing, while the most common vocal tics are sniffing, throat clearing and grunting. Some people are very mildly affected, while others have more severe symptoms which make the disorder more noticeable and disabling. It is believed that Tourette syndrome affects about 1 in 100 people; however, many people do not seek medical attention for the disorder because the symptoms are so mild.
"There are a lot of misconceptions out there about people who suffer from Tourette. The images we see on TV and movies are completely false. I have some patients who have severe tics, but less than 10% of patients with Tourette syndrome swear. It's uncommon," says Pringsheim.
University of Calgary
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Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parents' Guide by Tracy Lynne Marsh (Author), Tracy Lynne Marsh (Editor) When first published, this guide for parents of children and teens with Tourette syndrome (TS) was the only book to offer up-to-date information and advice for families. Now in an updated edition, Children with Tourette Syndrome offers even more. There’s new information on the latest research and medical developments in the field, and sections on education, legal rights, family life, daily care, and emotional issues are thoroughly revised. Written by leading experts in the field and experienced parents, this guide provides an excellent blend of professional expertise and empathetic advice. Families with newly diagnosed children find answers to their most pressing questions about this often perplexing neurological disorder, as well as coping strategies and emotional support. ... |
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Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourette's: A Patient and Family Guide by Sheila Rogers (Author) This welcome guide explains how to treat tics and Tourette’s syndrome using natural and alternative therapies, from nutritional therapy, behavioral and counseling therapies, EEG biofeedback, and homeopathy to bodywork, energy medicine, and Chinese medicine. Author Sheila Rogers discusses categories of tics including spasmodic facial movements, eye blinking, mild sounds, and humming. She persuasively counters the medical establishment’s standard claim that such disorders are “mysterious” and based in genetics. The dramatic spike in cases, she argues, belies this explanation. Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourette’s takes a closer look at the environmental factors and underlying physical imbalances that trigger these conditions’ symptoms. In this second edition to Tics... |
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I Can't Stop!: A Story About Tourette Syndrome by Holly L. Niner (Author), Meryl Treatner (Illustrator) |
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Tics and Tourette Syndrome: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals by Uttom Chowdhury (Author), Isobel Heyman (Foreword) This essential guide to tic disorders and Tourette Syndrome tackles problems faced both at home and at school, such as adjusting to the diagnosis, the effect on siblings and classroom difficulties. Dr. Chowdhury offers advice on how to manage symptoms, describing psychological techniques such as habit reversal and massed practice and reviewing available medical treatments. In clear, accessible language, this book explains the clinical signs and symptoms of Tourette and related conditions, and their possible causes. Presenting practical strategies for dealing with associated difficulties, including low self-esteem, anger-management and bullying, this book will be invaluable to parents, teachers, social workers other professionals. |
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Victory Over Tourette's Syndrome and Tic Disorders by Denise Buzbuzian (Author) |
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Managing Tourette Syndrome: A Behavioral Intervention for Children and Adults Therapist Guide (Treatments That Work) by Douglas W. Woods (Author), John Piacentini (Author), Susanna Chang (Author), Thilo Deckersbach (Author), Golda Ginsburg (Author), Alan Peterson (Author), Lawrence D Scahill (Author), John T Walkup (Author), Sabine Wilhelm (Author) Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic, neurobehavioral disorder of childhood that has traditionally been treated with medication. Although available, many mental health professionals are not familiar with an effective behavioral therapy for tic disorders. This therapist guide outlines a safe and scientifically proven treatment that can help sufferers of TS and other tic disorders effectively manage their tics and improve their quality of life. The treatment described is an 11-session package for children and adults (ages 9 and older). Psychoeducation about tic disorders is blended with multiple components of behavior therapy, including habit reversal training (HRT), relaxation training, and function-based treatments. The primary goal of this program is to teach the patient... |
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Coping with Tourette Syndrome: A Workbook for Kids With Tic Disorders by Sandra Buffolano (Author) Tics are a fact of life for kids with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and related disorders. And for most kids, the symptoms of their disorder aren't even the most frustrating part--others' reactions can make children feel anxious and extremely self-conscious. Coping with Tourette Syndrome includes forty activities to help kids with TS, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) understand, prepare for, and mask their tics. Kids will also learn how to best explain their tics to friends and curious strangers using humor, games, or brief scripts they have prepared. The activities in this workbook address managing TS and related disorders in specific situations, such as at school, at the movies, when out to dinner, on special occasions,... |
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Taking Tourette Syndrome to School ("Special Kids in School" Series) ("Special Kids in School" Series) by Tira Krueger (Author), Tom Dineen (Illustrator) These beautifully illustrated and fun-to-read storybooks simplify and normalize complicated childhood conditions, like Tourette Syndrome. When read aloud, other children can identify why a peer may be treated differently and begin to empathize with them. In addition, children whose conditions set them apart as being different begin to feel accepted and safe. Each book includes a Kids' Quiz to reinforce new information and Ten Tips for Teachers to provide additional facts and ideas for teacher use. In Taking Tourette Syndrome to School, Megan's story helps children understand that her tics are not something she can control, but are part of her life. |
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Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome: A 9-Year-Old Boy's Story in His Own Words by Dylan Peters (Author), Paul Howey (Editor), Zachary Wendland (Editor) Dylan Peters has lived with Tourette Syndrome more than half of his young life. Only four years old when he was first diagnosed with TS, Dylan is now nine and ready to enter the fourth grade. What he's learned about tolerance and acceptance during those five years, most of us fail to learn in an entire lifetime. In his own words--often humorous, always insightful--Dylan helps others, young and old, understand Tourette Syndrome and the enormous pressures this little, mysterious affliction places on those who have it and on those who love them. Illustrated by Dylan's friend, Zachary Wendland. |
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Treating Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders: A Guide for Practitioners by Douglas W. Woods PhD (Editor), John C. Piacentini PhD (Editor), John T. Walkup MD (Editor), PhD Peter Hollenbeck (Editor) Grounded in a comprehensive model of Tourette syndrome (TS) and related disorders, this state-of-the-art volume provides a multidisciplinary framework for assessment and treatment. Leading authorities present the latest knowledge on the neurobehavioral underpinnings of TS, its clinical presentation, and how to distinguish it from frequently encountered co-occurring disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Strategies for managing symptoms and providing effective support to children and families are thoroughly detailed, with an emphasis on integrating medication and psychosocial therapies. Several chapters also address clinical work with adults with TS. User friendly and practical, the book includes three... |
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